Indian shuttler Tharun Mannepalli, 23, secured the biggest win of his career by defeating top seed Lee Cheuk Yiu at the Macau Open Badminton tournament.
A Thrilling Upset at Macau Open
In a gripping one-hour match, Tharun Mannepalli, known for his powerful game, edged out world No. 15 Lee Cheuk Yiu with a score of 19-21, 21-14, 22-20. This significant victory marks a major breakthrough for the young Indian shuttler on the international stage.
The match was a true test of endurance and skill. After dropping the first game narrowly, Tharun showcased remarkable resilience to come back and dominate the second, setting up a thrilling decider. His composure under pressure in the final moments secured him the hard-fought win.
The Transformation: Leaner, Meaner, Faster
Tharun’s success isn’t just about raw power; it’s the result of a dedicated physical transformation. Previously known for his broad shoulders and strong lower body, he has worked to become leaner, significantly improving his speed and agility on court.
Former India player Guru Sai Dutt, who coached Tharun during the match, highlighted this change. “He had to work a lot on his body… to cut down his weight, to improve his agility to cover the court better, and be freer with his movement,” Dutt explained.
This rigorous training, consistent over the past two years, has also expanded his shot repertoire. Tharun, who once relied heavily on physical play and opponent errors, now creates more openings and dictates rallies, showcasing a more versatile game.
Years of Dedication and Support
Tharun’s journey in badminton began at age 8 in Khammam. He later moved to Hyderabad to pursue his passion, eventually joining the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Academy four years ago.
While 23 isn’t considered “late” for a breakthrough, Tharun acknowledges the challenges he faced earlier in his career, particularly securing sponsorships for international events. However, the last year and a half have seen a positive shift, thanks to the support of coaches like Guru Sai Dutt and Parupalli Kashyap, and an OGQ sponsorship facilitated by Pullela Gopichand.
Coaches’ Vision and Future Steps
His coaches have played a crucial role in shaping his game. Guru Sai Dutt, along with Kashyap and Gopi sir, focused on making Tharun more flexible, improving his movement, and helping him understand his unique strengths.
This win, while monumental, is viewed as a stepping stone. “Gopi sir has been putting in a lot of effort to make him more flexible and make the movements easier. Kashyap was constantly at him to make him physically fit,” Guru Sai Dutt noted, emphasizing that Tharun is “constantly showing us results step-by-step.”
- Tharun Mannepalli, 23, defeated top seed Lee Cheuk Yiu in a career-defining match at the Macau Open.
- His improved performance is attributed to a dedicated physical transformation, focusing on becoming leaner and more agile.
- Coaching support from Guru Sai Dutt, Parupalli Kashyap, and Pullela Gopichand has been instrumental in his development.
- The win signals a significant breakthrough, setting the stage for more international success.
This victory at the Macau Open is a testament to Tharun Mannepalli’s perseverance and hard work, signaling a bright future for the young Indian shuttler.
