Gayatri-Treesa Stun Chinese Pair to Reach World Championship Semifinals

India’s Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly produced a sensational performance at the World Badminton Championships, defeating fourth-seeded Chinese pair Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian in the women’s doubles quarterfinals on Friday. The unseeded Indian duo overcame a slow start to secure a memorable three-game victory.

After losing the opening game 16–21, Gayatri and Treesa made a strong comeback, winning the second game 21–15 before dominating the decider 21–13. The victory marks the biggest win of their careers and sends them into the World Championship semifinals.

The Indian pair, who were selected for the prestigious Arjuna Awards just two days ago, will face defending champions and top seeds Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning of China in the semifinals on Saturday.