India beat Indonesia, assured of historic bronze

New Delhi, May 22 (IANS) The Indian women's badminton team created history here Thursday by ensuring a bronze medal finish at the World Women's Team Championship for the Uber Cup being played at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

Led by World No.8 Saina Nehwal, India drubbed badminton powerhouse Indonesia 3-0 in the quarter-finals to set up a semi-final clash against Japan Friday.

Saina gave India the start they needed by beating World No.23 Lindaweni Fanetri 21-17, 21-10 in the first singles to gain a 2-1 advantage in career meetings.

World Championship bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu followed it with her 21-16, 10-21, 25-23 thrilling victory over Bellaetrix Manuputty to give India a 2-0 lead.

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa made sure the tie did not extend to the next matches by clinching their doubles encounter 21-18, 21-18 against World No.9 pair Greysia Polii and Nitya Krishinda Maheswari to secure the last four position.

Japan, on the other hand, beat Denmark 3-0 to proceed to the semis.