Indian mixed doubles shuttlers Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto continued their impressive run at the BWF World Championships 2025 in Tokyo, advancing to the Round of 16 with a straight-games victory over Ireland’s Joshua Magee and Moya Ryan on Wednesday.
The 16th-seeded Indian duo required just 35 minutes to record a 21–11, 21–16 win, showcasing both control and composure in their second-round outing. Having received a first-round bye courtesy of their seeding, Dhruv and Tanisha began their Worlds campaign against a lower-ranked Irish pairing. From the opening exchanges, the Indians asserted themselves, keeping the shuttle flat and fast while forcing Magee and Ryan into defensive positions. The first game was a near-clinic in efficiency. With Tanisha commanding the forecourt and Dhruv injecting pace from the back, the Indians ran away with it 21–11. Their sharp returns and early interceptions gave the Irish no room to find rhythm.
The second game, however, proved trickier. Magee and Ryan raised their level, engaging in longer rallies and slowing down the tempo to deny the Indians easy points. Dhruv and Tanisha stayed in control for the most part, but at 17–13, a worrying moment arrived. Dhruv appeared to roll his right ankle while lunging for a shuttle. Though he managed to continue after a brief pause, he was clearly moving with some discomfort. The Indians held their nerve to close out the game 21–16, but all eyes will now be on Dhruv’s fitness ahead of the next round.
Next Challenge: Tang/Tse Await
In the Round of 16, Dhruv and Tanisha face a much sterner test against Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, one of the most experienced pairs on the circuit and former medalists at the World Championships.
The Hong Kong duo are known for their tactical nous and their ability to disrupt rhythm with sudden changes of pace. For Dhruv and Tanisha, the key will be to maintain attacking momentum while ensuring Dhruv’s movement is not restricted by his ankle concern. If they can reproduce their first-game dominance against Ireland and stay sharp in the mid-court, the Indians will fancy their chances of causing an upset. While Dhruv and Tanisha advanced, it was the end of the road for another Indian mixed doubles pair. Ruthvika Shivani Gadde and Rohan Kapoor faced a tough draw against Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, ranked World No. 4.
The Indian pair, currently ranked 33rd in the world, could not find answers against the Malaysians’ speed and accuracy, falling 16–21, 11–21 in just over half an hour. Their exit leaves Dhruv and Tanisha as India’s sole representatives in mixed doubles heading into the last 16.
HS Prannoy’s Heartbreak
On the singles front, HS Prannoy produced one of the most gripping contests of the day, only to fall agonizingly short against Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, the World No. 2.
Prannoy, who has built a reputation as a fighter with nerves of steel, looked out of sorts in the opening game, losing 8–21. But as he has done countless times in his career, the 33-year-old mounted a spirited response in the second, mixing sharp smashes with clever net play to take it 21–17. The decider turned into a classic, with both players trading points and refusing to yield. At 20–20, the contest was on a knife’s edge. Antonsen finally edged past with a 23–21 win, leaving Prannoy devastated but applauded by fans for his effort and resilience.
At 33, competing against the world’s best and pushing them to the brink, Prannoy continues to epitomize grit and longevity in Indian badminton.
A Tournament of Highs and Lows
The day summed up India’s mixed fortunes in Tokyo:
- Dhruv/Tanisha advancing with a strong display but nursing an injury concern.
- Ruthvika/Rohan bowing out against one of the top seeds.
- Prannoy delivering a near-upset in a three-game thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats.
For Dhruv and Tanisha, the opportunity ahead is significant. A win against Tang/Tse would not only take them into the quarterfinals but also mark one of the deepest mixed doubles runs by an Indian pair in recent memory.
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto’s straight-games win against Magee and Ryan was exactly the kind of solid start they needed at the World Championships. While Dhruv’s ankle will be a concern, their progression into the Round of 16 ensures India remains in the hunt in mixed doubles.
Coupled with Prannoy’s brave fight and the exit of Ruthvika/Rohan, the day reminded fans that the World Championships are as much about heartbreak as they are about history. For now, all eyes will be on Dhruv and Tanisha as they prepare to take on Tang and Tse, with the hope that the “storm into pre-quarters” momentum can carry them into yet another landmark achievement for Indian badminton.
