India storm into Thomas Cup semis with 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei

India’s men’s badminton team defeated Chinese Taipei in the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026 at Forum Horsens on Friday, with the win confirming their place in the semifinals of the Thomas Cup after taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the quarter-final clash.

Former champions India, who had finished second in their group behind China, produced a composed and clinical performance to seal the tie in just three matches, underlining their title credentials in the knockout stage.

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Lakshya Sen gave India the perfect start with a stunning comeback victory over Chou Tien-chen, winning 18-21, 22-20, 21-17 in an intense 88-minute contest. The Indian shuttler showed immense composure after losing the opening game and saving three match points in the second. He then took control in the decider, mixing clever net play with attacking strokes to outmanoeuvre his experienced opponent.

India doubled their lead in the doubles as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-lin 23-21, 19-21, 21-12. The Indian pair edged a tense opening game after trailing 18-20 but lost the second despite leading midway. However, they dominated the decider, racing to an early lead and maintaining a strong grip throughout.

Ayush Shetty then sealed the tie with a confident straight-game win over Lin Chun-yi, winning 21-16, 21-17 in the second singles to complete a comprehensive victory.

India will next face the winner of the quarter-final between France and Japan in Saturday’s semifinal, with the final scheduled for Sunday.

The result continues India’s strong recent run in the tournament, having reached the semifinals in 2022 for the first time in 43 years, with previous appearances coming in 1952, 1955 and 1979.