India’s Devika Sihag caused a major upset at the Thailand Masters Super 300 badminton tournament, defeating home favourite and top seed Supanida Katethong 21-19, 21-18 to enter the women’s singles semifinals. The 20-year-old unseeded Indian achieved the victory in just 40 minutes on Friday.
Devika, world No. 63, will next face fifth seed Huang Yu-Hsun of Chinese Taipei. She has steadily gained momentum on the international circuit, claiming her maiden BWF International Challenge title at the Malaysia International in August 2025, defeating compatriot Isharani Baruah in the final.
Last season, Devika finished runner-up at the Indonesia Masters Super 100 and reached four finals in 2024, winning titles at the Swedish Open and Portugal International, while finishing second at the Estonian International and Dutch International. She was also part of India’s mixed team that won bronze at the 2025 World University Games.
In the quarterfinal clash, Devika began tentatively, trailing 0-5 as unforced errors cost her early points. She gradually found her rhythm and drew level at 9-9. After a closely contested first game, Devika sealed it 21-19 with precise net play and a decisive smash.
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The second game remained tight, with Devika overturning a 3-5 deficit to take a 10-6 lead at the mid-game interval. She continued to pressure Supanida with sharp drops, half-smashes and quick movement, ultimately earning three match points. Supanida’s wide smash on the final point handed Devika a straight-game victory.
Elsewhere, India’s Isharani Baruah bowed out after a 18-21, 21-16, 21-13 loss to Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching. India’s men’s singles challenge ended as Tharun Mannepalli lost 11-21, 17-21 to China’s Zhu Xuan Chen.
Devika’s victory over Supanida marks one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and points at her rising profile in women’s badminton. The Indian hopes to continue her impressive run as she targets a place in the Thailand Masters final.
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