Second straight defeat for the Indian men's team at the Thomas Cup

THE INDIAN MEN'S TEAM has taken the beating yet again for the second time in a row after losing their tie against Hong Kong today at the Thomas Cup in China.

The only positive sign is that singles shuttlers Sai Praneeth and Sourabh Varma have registered victories for the second time in a row. Since this tournament carries individual points, it will benefit them and up their rankings.

But on the other hand, Ajay Jayaram and the experienced men's doubles pair who will also play at the Olympics later this year, Manu Attri/Sumeeth Reddy have not been able to put out a great performance. The other doubles pair of Chirag Shetty/Satwiksairaj lack experience of playing at this stage therefore loses from them cannot be criticised.

Ajay lost to Ka Long Angus Ng 13-21, 12-21; Attri/Reddy lost to Ching Chung Or/Chun Man Tang 19-21, 12-21; Chirag/Satwiksairaj lost to Tsz Kit Chan/Cheuk Him Law 10-21, 11-21; Praneeth defeated Yun Hu 23-21, 23-21 and finally Sourabh Varma trumped Nan Wei 17-21, 21-19, 21-9.

After two defeats this knocks them out of tournament. In the final group match, India take on 13 time champions Indonesia on Wednesday.