Tharun Mannepalli delivered one of the most courageous and composed performances of his young career as he battled past Chinese Taipei’s Ting Yen-Chen to storm into the quarterfinals of the Thailand Masters 2026, a BWF Super 300 tournament in Bangkok.
In a gruelling 78-minute contest that tested both physical endurance and mental strength, the Indian world No. 43 prevailed 21–17, 14–21, 24–22 to keep his campaign alive while much of the Indian men’s singles contingent bowed out on Thursday. For Mannepalli, this was not just another win. It was a statement of resilience, shot-making and match awareness against an opponent who refused to go away, even when pushed to the edge multiple times in the deciding game. With the victory, Tharun became the lone Indian men’s singles player to reach the quarterfinals at this year’s Thailand Masters, underlining his growing maturity on the BWF World Tour.
The opening game was a glimpse into the tactical battle that would unfold. Mannepalli began with clarity and intent, taking the shuttle early and using his flat exchanges to deny Ting Yen-Chen time to set up his rallies. The Chinese Taipei shuttler, ranked 76 in the world, is known for his consistency and court coverage, but Tharun’s aggressive forecourt play and willingness to attack the body tilted the early exchanges. At 14–14, the Indian raised his level, mixing steep smashes with clever net tumbles to pull away and close out the opener 21–17.
However, the match was far from one-sided. Ting Yen-Chen regrouped strongly in the second game, extending rallies and forcing Mannepalli into longer exchanges. The Indian, who had dominated the front court in the first game, began to lose a fraction of sharpness, allowing Ting to dictate with his deep clears and patient construction. As the rallies lengthened, Ting built a steady lead and took the second game 21–14, pushing the contest into a decider that promised drama.
What followed in the third game was a test of nerve and stamina rarely seen at this level. Both players traded points in a relentless rhythm, neither willing to give an inch. Mannepalli repeatedly surged ahead, only for Ting to claw his way back with dogged defence and well-timed counter-attacks. At 20-20, the match entered a nerve-wracking phase where every rally felt decisive. The Indian saved multiple game points, refusing to be rattled by the pressure. He stayed disciplined in his shot selection, choosing when to attack and when to extend rallies, eventually edging ahead to seal the decider 24–22 and collapse in relief after 78 exhausting minutes on court.
It was a win built as much on mental toughness as on skill. In a tournament where fine margins separate victory and defeat, Mannepalli showed the kind of composure that is essential for success at the Super 300 level and beyond. His ability to hold his nerve deep into a marathon contest will give him enormous confidence as he prepares for the quarterfinals.
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While Mannepalli was celebrating, it was a tougher day for India’s other men’s singles hopes. Seventh seed Kiran George, who had looked sharp in the opening round, ran into a brick wall in the form of Indonesia’s Prahdiska Shuklao. Ranked 48 in the world, Shuklao produced a controlled and efficient performance to defeat George 21–11, 21–16. The Indian struggled to impose his attacking game, as the Indonesian’s defence and consistency kept him under constant pressure, forcing errors at crucial moments.
Mithun Manjunath also saw his run come to an end, despite a spirited effort against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia. The former Asian champion, currently ranked 79, showed his pedigree after losing the opening game. Manjunath took the first game 21–11 with aggressive play and confident shot-making, but Lee responded by raising his intensity and accuracy. The Malaysian claimed the next two games 21–16 and 21–12, using his experience and heavier firepower to wear the Indian down over three games.
With Kiran George and Mithun Manjunath exiting, the spotlight now firmly rests on Tharun Mannepalli to carry India’s men’s singles challenge forward in Bangkok. His quarterfinal berth is already a significant achievement, especially in a draw packed with seasoned international players. More importantly, the manner of his victory saving game points, surviving pressure and maintaining belief until the very last rally speaks volumes about his growing stature on the world tour.
For Indian badminton, performances like this are encouraging signs of a new generation learning how to win tough matches on the global stage. Mannepalli’s gritty triumph over Ting Yen-Chen was not just a win on the scoreboard, but a showcase of the resilience and fighting spirit required to succeed at the highest level.
As he steps into the quarterfinals of the Thailand Masters 2026, Tharun will do so with momentum, confidence and the belief that he belongs among the best.
