Singapore Open 2026: Unseeded Indian Pair Dhruv-Tanisha Stun Olympic Medallist Watanabe & Taguchi To Storm Into Quarters

Indian mixed doubles pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto produced a sensational comeback to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2026 KFF Singapore Badminton Open, a BWF Super 750 event, on Thursday. The unseeded duo stunned Japan's Maya Taguchi and two-time Olympic medallist Yuta Watanabe in a thrilling Round of 16 clash, winning 8-21, 21-17, 21-16 in 58 minutes.

After a one-sided opening game, Kapila and Crasto showed immense resilience and composure to turn the contest around against one of the most experienced pairs on the circuit. The victory marks one of the biggest upsets of their partnership and continues their impressive run in the tournament.

The Indian duo had already shown signs of their fighting spirit in the Round of 32, where they defeated Malaysia's Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien in a hard-fought three-game encounter. Carrying that momentum into the pre-quarterfinal, they overcame a shaky start to deliver a commanding performance when it mattered most.

Kapila and Crasto now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will be in action on Friday, May 29. With confidence growing and momentum on their side, the pair will be aiming to continue their dream run against tougher opposition.

Their victory is also significant in the broader context of Indian badminton, as the mixed doubles category continues to search for consistent world-level performers. Wins over top-tier opponents like Watanabe and Taguchi underline the pair's potential to compete at the highest level.

Singapore Open 2026: Indian Pair Make A Turnaround Despite Early Dominance From Japanese Pair

The match began with complete dominance from the Japanese pair, who dictated play from the outset. Watanabe's exceptional court coverage and deceptive shot-making disrupted the Indians' rhythm, while Taguchi controlled the net with precision. Kapila struggled to impose his attacking game, and a series of unforced errors saw the opening game slip away quickly at 8-21.

However, the turning point came in the second game, where Kapila and Crasto made key tactical adjustments. They increased the pace of rallies and adopted a more aggressive approach. Crasto elevated her net play, matching Taguchi's speed and intercepting more effectively, while Kapila began targeting angles with sharper cross-court smashes. This shift allowed the Indians to break away in the latter stages and level the match at 21-17.

In the deciding game, both pairs engaged in high-intensity flat exchanges, but the Indians displayed superior composure under pressure. Kapila's endurance and ability to sustain long rallies proved crucial, while Crasto's quick reflexes at the net created scoring opportunities. After the mid-game interval, the Indian duo took control of key rallies and gradually pulled ahead.

Despite Watanabe's attempts to mount a comeback with his defensive skills, Kapila and Crasto maintained their tactical discipline. Their ability to win crucial points in extended rallies and execute under pressure ultimately sealed a memorable 21-16 victory.
This win not only highlights their growing maturity as a pair but also demonstrates their ability to adapt strategies mid-match, an essential trait for success at the elite level.