Thomas Cup 2026: India loses semi-final; wins bronze – Highlights

Ayush Shetty once again pushes the shuttle long, before Popov intercepts at the net brilliantly to go up 6-1.

Ayush finally pulls a point back as he lands an inch-perfect smash past an outstretched Popov on his backhand. 2-6.

 

Popov on a roll

Popov with a well-judged leave at the backhand corner before Ayush's net dribble once again fails to cross over.

The world No 4 then with a brilliant soft touch, catching Ayush aback. He is stuck on the backcourt as the shuttle falls at his front. 

The Indian is down 1-4 as Popov continues to dominate!

Ayush to receive first in Game 2

Ayush Shetty will receive first in the second game. He is now playing from the near end.

The Indian wins the first point but Popov comes out attacking in the second. Ayush with two good returns, but can't do so in the third with the shuttle placed hard at his body. 1-1.

Ayush Shetty concedes Game 1

Ayush Shetty saves three game points as Popov goes long thrice in a row. It's 11-20 for Ayush.

But hang on, Popov has asked for a challenge on that last point. It is out by a long.

But that's some smart work from Popov to get in a break.

It works out in his favour too as he lands the next shuttle perfectly on the backline to win the opening game 21-11 in 19 minutes!

12 Game Points, Popov!

Three straight points for Christo Popov and he now has 12 game points at 20-8.

Ayush pulls it back!

Ayush Shetty finally pulls a point back as Popov's deceptive shot from the net lands wide. Another shot from the Frenchman goes long. 8-17.

11-point lead for Popov

Popov with a brilliant smash on the empty back-hand side of Ayush Shetty as he wins his fourth straight point after the break. 6-15.

Ayush then loses a challenge as a Popov shuttle lands plumb on the back-line. 6-16.

Popov wins the next point as well and he now has pocketed all six points since the interval. Ayush down 6-17.

3 straight points for Popov!

An ugly swipe at the net from Ayush, who is taken aback by the quick, flat return and he hits the shuttle into the net. 

Popov then draws Ayush to the net before placing the next shot well at the backline, leaving Shetty to backtrack. He can't get there in time.

Another lift from the Indian then goes long and he now finds himself down 6-14.

Ayush Shetty Trails

First a well judged leave at the backline before he pulls out a stunning body smash as Ayush puts up a mini fightback.

Despite the smash, Popov sets up Ayush for a smash from the backcourt once again and this time the Indian hits it straight into the net.

Ayush Shetty trails 6-11 at the mid-game interval.

Ayush struggling to stay within the lines

Yet another lift gone long for Ayush Shetty, before he lands one wide to gift back the two points.

Then once again the shuttle fails to crossover after a net dribble before Popov brings out a body smash.

It is followed by a brilliant mid-court interception to catch Ayush wrong-footed as Popov wins five points in a row.

Ayush trails 3-9!