Guangzhou (China), May 13 (Inditop) India blanked Scotland 5-0 to finish at the top of Group 3B and will face Bulgaria in the play-off for promotion to Group 2 in the Sudirman Cup badminton championship here Wednesday.
A depleted Indian side made it to the play-off in the last edition in 2007, but lost to France to remain in Group 3 of the world mixed team badminton championship.
This time, however, India should break into Group 2 for the first time since the tournament started in 1989 as they are fielding their best side.
Bulgaria made a strong comeback in the tournament after losing the first match to Sweden and won the next two ties against USA and Czech Republic to top the competitive Group 3A.
India have been in great form so far, winning all three matches. They blanked Ukraine and Scotland 5-0 and dropped just one match in the first tie against Australia to win it 4-1.
In their last Group tie against Scotland, the mixed doubles pair of V. Diju and Jwala Gutta saw off the initial challenge to beat Andrew Bowman and Emma Mason 21-17, 21-12.
In men’s singles, Arvind Bhat outplayed Gordon Thomson 21-15, 21-16
Saina Nehwal, however, was taken to the distance by Susan Hughes before prevailing 18-21, 21-13, 21-19.
The men’s doubles combination of Sanave Thomas and Rupesh Kumar made it 4-0 with a 21-18, 25-23 win over Bowman and Thomas Bethel.
Aparna Balan and Shruti Kurian defeated Mason and Jillie Cooper 21-12, 21-15.
rounak