Chengdu, April 28 -- Defending Thomas Cup champions India kicked off their title defence with a thumping 4-1 win over Thailand in Group A while their women counterparts defeated Canada by an identical margin in the group stage of the Thomas and Uber Cup 2024 here in China.
The men, who created history two years ago by winning the coveted title, looked in trouble when HS Prannoy went down 22-20, 21-14 in the opening singles.
But the top doubles combination of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy restored party after a few hiccups with a 21-19, 19-21, 21-16 win over Peeratchai Sukphun and Pakkapon Teeraratsakul.
Lakshya Sen then kept his nerves under pressure to defeat Panotchaphon Teeraratsakul 21-12, 19-21, 21-16 to give India the l...