Paris Olympics 2024 Badminton: Who Are Tanisha-Ashwini's Australian Opponents Setyana Mapasa & Angela Yu?

India's Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa are up against Australia's Setyana Daniella Florensia Mapasa and Angela Yu in the Women's Doubles badminton group stage clash at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Despite Crasto and Ponnappa's valiant efforts, their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals were dashed after consecutive defeats in the group stage.

Their previous Group C match against the formidable Japanese duo, Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, resulted in a 21-11, 21-12 loss, following an initial defeat to the South Korean pair, Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong.

In their last group match, the Indian pair will face Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu, who have made significant strides in the badminton world.

Let us look at the backgrounds and achievements of Mapasa and Yu, shedding light on the competitors who will challenge Crasto and Ponnappa in their final group stage match, as the Indian duo will aim to sign off on a high.

Setyana Mapasa

Setyana Daniella Florensia Mapasa, born on August 15, 1995, in Kawangkoan, Minahasa, Indonesia, began her badminton journey at the tender age of eight.

Growing up in a country where badminton is a part of the cultural fabric, Mapasa was deeply influenced by her parents, who played the sport recreationally. Left-handed and displaying remarkable talent, she turned professional at thirteen and made her international debut in 2013.

Transition to Australia and International Success

In 2014, Mapasa officially became an Australian citizen and began representing her new country on the international stage. She quickly established herself as a key player in the Australian badminton scene. At the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, Mapasa showcased her talent.

Her partnership with Gronya Somerville proved fruitful, leading to four consecutive Oceania Championships titles in women's doubles from 2017 to 2020 and two titles in mixed doubles in 2017 and 2018 with Sawan Serasinghe.

Olympic and Commonwealth Games Appearances

Mapasa represented Australia at the 2020 Summer Olympics, competing in the women's doubles event alongside Somerville. Although they won one match, their journey ended in the group stage. At the Commonwealth Games, Mapasa continued to make her mark, further solidifying her status as a top competitor in the sport.

Current Form and Achievements

In 2023, Mapasa, paired with Angela Yu, caught the badminton world's attention by winning three consecutive tournaments: the Kaohsiung Masters 100 in Taiwan, the Bendigo International, and the Sydney International. Ranked 27th in the world as of July 2024, the duo's synergy and resilience have made them formidable opponents in the women's doubles category.

Angela Yu

Angela Yu, born into a family with a rich badminton legacy, has been a rising star in Australian badminton. Her mother, He Tian (Rosie) Tang, won a women's doubles bronze medal for Australia at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and previously won an Olympic bronze for China in 1996. Yu's father, Yu Qi, also played badminton for China before moving to Australia in 1992 to coach the national team.

Early Career and Development

Influenced by her parents' illustrious careers, Angela Yu began playing badminton at a young age. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a part of the Badminton Australia Junior National Squad and competing at the World Junior Championships in 2018 and 2019. In 2022, Yu, alongside Mitchell Wheeler, secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the Oceania Championships.

Partnership with Setyana Mapasa

In 2023, Yu teamed up with Setyana Mapasa, and the pair achieved remarkable success. Their victories at the Kaohsiung Masters 100, Bendigo International, and Sydney International highlighted their potential.

The duo continued their winning streak at the Oceania Championships in Geelong in February 2024 and reached the round of 16 at the prestigious All England Open.

Olympic Debut and Prospects

Angela Yu made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics, partnering with Setyana Mapasa in the women's doubles event. Despite the stiff competition, Yu's perseverance and skills, honed through years of training and international exposure, make her a player to watch.

The Clash for Pride

The match between Tanisha Crasto-Ashwini Ponnappa and Setyana Mapasa-Angela Yu is eagerly anticipated. Although the Indian pair struggled in their group matches, facing top-tier opponents, the encounter will provide valuable experience and exposure at the highest level of competition.

The clash on Tuesday, July 30 (not before 6:20pm IST) will not only test the mettle of both pairs but also highlight the intense competition that defines the Olympic spirit.

After having faced consecutive defeats, the Indian duo will have a point to prove in their final group stage game, making it a crucial tie for them despite no chance of advancing further.