Badminton, Thomas Cup SF as it happened: HS Prannoy takes India past Denmark, into a historic final

11.45 pm: That will be all from us for this blog. What an incredible even for Indian sport. The first ever in badminton history India will be in the final of Thomas Cup.

This is what HS Prannoy had to say a while back about playing through pain:

Maybe yeah [that the win was more mental than physical]. Mentally, there was a lot of things going on today. After the slip, it was hurting a lot more than usual, I was not able to lunge properly. I was wondering what to do, thought I will try to manage somehow. In the mind it was always that: ‘I should not give up.’ Just tried whatever I could, praying that the pain doesn’t aggravate. The pain actually reduced towards the end of second game and third game I was feeling much better on court. Will know soon what the scene is actually, hope it’s nothing serious. 

— BWF Mixed Zone

SUNDAY, 1130 am IST: The most successful team in the history of the tournament vs the team reaching the final for the first ever time. INDONESIA VS INDIA!

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 21-12 Rasmus Gemke: HE HAS DONE IT!

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 19-11 Rasmus Gemke: Backhand error from Gemke... two points away for HSP.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 18-11 Rasmus Gemke: Fantastic rallying from both players... Gemke wins this point and HSP is moving gingerly again. Surely not another twist?

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 18-10 Rasmus Gemke: Error on the backhand from Gemke, but lovely service return next up. And I can do it too, says HSP with a brilliant service return himself.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 16-9 Rasmus Gemke: Ouch... a limp from Prannoy after netting a backhand. We are carrying on though... brilliant flat exchange next and Gemke kills it off at the net. Breathe...

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 15-7 Rasmus Gemke: The Dane keeping things interesting... and then a huge roar from Prannoy as he takes a lovely point at the net. He knew there was a mini resurgence from Gemke and that’s why the roar.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 13-6 Rasmus Gemke: Another error from Gemkee... dare to dream Indian fans? Hang on, says the Dane with a lovely straight smash.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 12-5 Rasmus Gemke: Fantastic rally after the break, both players focussed on keeping the shuttle in play and then HSP nails a crosscourt. Gemke flat on the court...

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 11-4 Rasmus Gemke: Changing ends for one final time with Prannoy having a big lead. He appears calm... are you?

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 9-4 Rasmus Gemke: Misjudgement on the sideline by Prannoy, and he knows it immediately. Angry with himself for taking that and sending it wide. Could have been 9-3, but it is soon 9-4 anyway.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 8-3 Rasmus Gemke: Another lovely smash, this time crosscourt. Gemke loses a review. Next point, superb defence from Prannoy and Gemke misses the kill.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 6-2 Rasmus Gemke: Fantastic straight smash from Prannoy. Raises his fist, thumps his chest... commentator being too harsh saying this is a bit early. Doubt there is much wrong in a player trying to get the adrenaline going. But anyway, good lead for the Indian at the end of a nice long rally.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9, 4-2 Rasmus Gemke: Solid start to the third game by Prannoy. Even let out a couple of roars after the first of couple of points as if to say he is here fighting still. Gemke closes the gap. Shots of both squads cheering on their players in the meantime.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-9 Rasmus Gemke: DECIDER! Game points galore for the Indian and he converts the first. A lovely forehand crosscourt defensive block. There is life in this tie still. Really doesn’t seem like HSP is anywhere close to 100% but Gemke too had a flurry of errors. The Dane might have been thinking about conserving though. HUGE THIRD GAME COMING UP.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 18-7 Rasmus Gemke: That was a really good rally, from both players in fact... but it ends with an error from Gemke. Great hustle on defence from Prannoy.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 17-7 Rasmus Gemke: Good run of points against for HSP. He has been great at coming forward in this game, despite the possible mental block with doing so. Gemke gets a lucky point with HSP’s smash called out without a touch.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 13-5 Rasmus Gemke: Any other day, you’d be confident of this lead resulting in a decider but it only seems like the pain is getting worse for Prannoy. He is trying to move Gemke as much as possible and staying patient in rallies.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 11-1 Rasmus Gemke: Well, that’s one way to fight back! A 11-1 lead for HS Prannoy at the start of the 2nd game... the Indian is still moving gingerly, but has somehow built a strong lead here

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 9-1 Rasmus Gemke: Brilliant smash, plumb on the sideline. Good run for HSP here. Gemke too making errors.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 5-1 Rasmus Gemke: A 40-SHOT RALLY! And a fist pump by Prannoy at the end of it. Chants of HSP, too. Good signs, perhaps?

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21, 4-0 Rasmus Gemke: Good start to the 2nd game by the Indian but the movement is still not there. He is in pain.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-21 Rasmus Gemke: HS Prannoy came back well after the fall mid-game but the Dane had built up a good early lead and finished it off with a series of 5 straight points. 21-13.

Can Prannoy fight back?

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 13-18 Rasmus Gemke: This is a really good run of points for HSP, has made it a 3-point game from 7-15 down. Doesn’t seem to be moving great but the touch is there. Gemke gets the serve back with a superb net exchange, and follows that up with another.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 9-15 Rasmus Gemke: This is not looking very good at the moment for Prannoy. He gets the serve back at 8-15 though and plays a really good rally but wincing at the end of it still.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 7-13 Rasmus Gemke: A decent run of points after the break but he still seems in pain, Prannoy. He is still moving gingerly. And that slip is going to play a part mentally.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 4-11 Rasmus Gemke: Oh no, HS Prannoy sees his knee slide and get stuck and he’s on the floor. Needs a medical timeout during the mid-game interval. The court conditions have not been easy all week

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 4-9 Rasmus Gemke: Plenty of good length rallies now. Lovely smash from Gemke takes his 5 ahead and HSP loses a review.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 3-6 Rasmus Gemke: That was a 37-shot rally. Good stuff.

IND 2-2 DEN, HS Prannoy 3-6 Rasmus Gemke: Think fair to say both players are nervous but the rallies are getting better now. An absolutely fabulous long rally at 5-3 goes Gemke’s way in the end. Prannoy too seems to be finding his rhythm. Early days still.

IND 2-2 DEN: And.... here we go again! For the 2nd night in a row, HS Prannoy in action at 2-2. For the 2nd night in a row, Rasmus Gemke in action at 2-2.

IND 2-2 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 13-21 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The giant Danes have delivered yet again for Denmark! For the third tie in a row, they have come up with a clutch win. Krishna Prasad/Vishnuvardhan lose in straight games.

Going the distance in this semifinal!

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 12-20 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The Danes are incensed by the umpiring call that there was a touch on their racket. The service judge comes over to say there wa a mistake and it is changed. Great umpiring. Soon enough, match points.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 11-18 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Bit of a free point on serve by the Danes but the Indians give it right back with another error from Vishnuvardhan. All but done this one... hopefully for India, HS Prannoy is warmed up.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 10-17 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Unfortunately, Vishnuvardhan has just been completely out of it. too many mistakes from him.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 10-13 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Some brilliant hustle from Rasmussen for Denmark and Krishna for India at the moment... best players on the court. The Danes still ahead.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 8-11 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The Danes edge ahead at the 2nd game interval. The Indians did well to make it 8-8 but the Danes always seem to be a step ahead in this battle.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 6-8 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Sensational defence from Krishna on the ground but Vishnu then nets a backhand. Nice of the former to tell him it’s alright, good doubles right there. The Danes though have now moved ahead once again.

IND 2-1 DEN – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 4-2 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Nervy start to the 2nd game by both pairs but the Indians get their nose ahead.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 14-21 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The Danes win the first game in 18 minutes. The Indians are certainly putting up a strong fight but this is going to be an incredibly tough battle for them.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 12-17 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Three points in a row now for the Indians. They’re certainly fighting hard and are going to keep pushing.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 9-17 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The first game is running away in a hurry from the Indians. The Danes have made few errors so far and dictated play.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 8-14 Rasmussen-Sogaard: A superb rally and the Indians come out on top after showing some great defensive skills. Krishna Prasad with the cross-court winner.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 7-11 Rasmussen-Sogaard: The Indians have had their moments early on but the Danes have opened up a big lead at the interval.

India 2-1 Denmark – Krishna-Vishnu 4-5 Rasmussen-Sogaard: Quick start for the Danes and they had a three-point lead but the Indians have responded and won consecutive points.

India 2-1 Denmark: Next up is a doubles match as Krishna Prasad and Vishnuvardhan Goud take on Anders Skaarup Rasmussen and Frederik Sogaard. This, of course, is a must-win match for Denmark.

India 2-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 21-15 Antonsen: INDIA TAKE THE LEAD IN THE TIE! Srikanth Kidambi beats world No 3 Anders Antonsen in three games after converting his second match point. A huge win for India! Srikanth’s level dipped in the second game but the manner in which he turned things around in the decider – going on the offensive at every opportunity – was simply incredible.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 20-14 Antonsen: Six match points for Srikanth as he gets one to land just inside. The Indian team is on their feat in the stands. Can he do it?

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 18-14 Antonsen: Incredible scenes! Antonsen defends brilliantly before hitting the shuttle into the net, he tosses his racket miles up and gets a yellow card for it. Srikanth has a four-point lead now. This is tense!

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 16-13 Antonsen: Srikanth was up 14-6 and then lost out of eight points but he’s clinched one again. The Indian has a three-point lead but it seems this match could still go either way.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 15-11 Antonsen: Well, the Danish world No 3 has won five of the last six points now. Is there another twist left?

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 15-8 Antonsen: Srikanth continuing to dictate play. This has been a tremendous turnaround in the decider. Antonsen had all the momentum but he seems lost now. The Indian has the match on his racket.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 14-6 Antonsen: Srikanth gets lucky at the net and moves ahead. He follows that up with another cleverly-constructed point to get a smash winner. Time running out for Antonsen.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 11-4 Antonsen: SEVEN straight points for Srikanth! He has a massive lead at the interval and Antonsen’s shoulders have dropped. Incredible scenes. But Srikanth is still far from the finish line and will have to keep his head down.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 8-4 Antonsen: Four points in a row now for Srikanth and he’s opened up a big lead. Antonsen left flat on the floor after a delightful drop shot from the Indian.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 6-4 Antonsen: Srikanth is bringing the heat! It was a barrage of errors towards the end of the second game and it’s a barrage of smash winners now. Antonsen is doing well to stay within touching distance but he’s definitely under pressure.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 3-2 Antonsen: Three smash winners in a row now and Srikanth has the lead! This a promising start to the decider for the Indian.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21, 1-2 Antonsen: Better from Srikanth, he goes on the offensive and gets a smash winner. He can’t afford to let Antonsen pull away again.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-21 Antonsen: We’re going to a decider! Antonsen wins five points in a row to bag the second game. Srikanth will want to forget this quickly and reset. He showed in the first game he has it in him to get the job done.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 12-19 Antonsen: The errors just won’t stop from Srikanth. This will surely be incredibly frustrating for him and his team. Antonsen is closing in on the second game.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 11-15 Antonsen: Now Srikanth wins a couple of points but Antonsen still has a four-point lead. The Indian certainly isn’t giving up on this game but he’ll need a special effort from here to win the match in straight games.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 8-12 Antonsen: Sizzling badminton from Srikanth! He really does have the ability to thrill. The 29-year-old shows great skill at the net before hitting two cross-court jump smashes from both sides to win the point.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 6-11 Antonsen: The Danish world No 3 has a huge lead at the interval. Will Srikanth try to make a comeback here or save energy for the third game? He certainly can’t afford to let his opponent gain too much more confidence.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 4-9 Antonsen: Way too many errors from Srikanth at the moment and he trails by five points now. Just what Antonsen would’ve hoped for at the interval.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 7-3 Antonsen: Another shot straight into the net by Srikanth before Antonsen hits a smash winner. The Dane is pulling away.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18, 1-3 Antonsen: Srikanth with two tame mistakes and Antonsen gets some much-needed momentum early on in the second game.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 21-18 Antonsen: That’s the first game in the bag for India in 26 minutes! Srikanth has played incredibly well so far and also been helped by a number of mistakes from Antonsen. The Danish world No 3 will be under great pressure if he falls behind at the start of the second game.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 18-17 Antonsen: The Danish world No 3 makes another error and hands Srikanth a two-point lead but then the Indian makes an error himself to reduce the gap. This could go either way!

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 15-14 Antonsen: Now Srikanth has the lead! This is high class badminton from the 29-year-old. He’s moving incredibly well and putting Antonsen in uncomfortable positions.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 13-13 Antonsen: Well constructed point by Srikanth to draw level. He defends well and then pounces at the net to get the winner.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 12-13 Antonsen: Srikanth’s defence is being tested and he’s hanging in there. Antonsen not helping his cause by making a couple of errors.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 9-11 Antonsen: A couple of errors by Srikanth and it’s Antonsen who takes the lead to the interval. Not much to choose between the two players so far.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 9-7 Antonsen: Wonderful play by Srikanth at the net and he comes out on top thrice to take the lead again.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 6-7 Antonsen: Brilliant rally as Antonsen turns defence into attack before hitting a cross-court winner. Srikanth challenges but it doesn’t go his way. That’s five points in a row for the Danish world No 3.

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 6-5 Antonsen: Srikanth wins six straight points before Antonsen wins three in a row. Short points so far as both players try to find rhythm.

Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Breath back? Time for Anders Antonsen vs Srikanth Kidambi. AKA Danish Srikanth and Indian Antonsen because you just don’t quite know what you are going to get! Will be another rollercoaster, I am fairly certain. Antonsen has lost his last two matches here in Bangkok. Srikanth in good form but this could go either way (and potentially decide this tie).

India 1-1 Denmark – Srikanth 2-2 Antonsen: The longest rally of the match so far and Srikanth wins it with a smart backhand flick.

India 1-1 Denmark: Now it’s time for a singles clash between Srikanth Kidambi and world No 3 Anders Antonsen. Both players are on the court and we’re ready for play!

India 1-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 22-20 Kim-Mathias: That’s it, India draw level in the tie! Satwik-Chirag squandered two match points in the second game and three in the third but full credit to them for not panicking and getting the job done eventually in an hour and 18 minutes.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 20-20 Kim-Mathias: Denmark save three straight match points again! What is happening?! India have squandered five match points in total so far.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 19-15 Kim-Mathias: The errors continue to flow from the Danes and India gain a four-point lead. Their team is pumped in the stands, but can they close out the match this time?

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 17-14 Kim-Mathias: Denmark push one wide and lose the challenge too as India gain a three-point lead. India certainly have the momentum but can they sustain it?

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 15-13 Kim-Mathias: Another service error from Denmark and India have the lead! They win the next point too and create some breathing space. This is it now, India will be keen to pull away.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 10-11 Kim-Mathias: Another incredible comeback by the Indians as they win four points in a row but it’s the Danes who manage to take a narrow lead to the interval. There’s nothing to choose between these pairs, it will probably come down to who handles the nerves better.

Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Always amazes me to see Kim Astrup RUN to take the shuttle and get on with it after his pair wins the point. And sure enough, Mathias Boe says, “...live the moment... and don’t let them dictate when you are ready.”

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9, 2-5 Kim-Mathias: The Danes are off to a strong start for the third game running. India, especially Satwik, seem rattled. They will need to respond quickly.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 21-23 Kim-Mathias: We’re going to a decider! Would you believe it! The Danes saved two game points and then converted their second game point. This will be extremely frustrating for the Indians. They must win this match to give their team a chance to win the tie and this was a massive opportunity missed.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 20-20 Kim-Mathias: We’re level! India had two match points and made errors both times. This game continues to fascinate. The Danes are pumped!

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 19-18 Kim-Mathias: Chirag hits a cross-court winner before hitting one long. Still a one-point game. Can India close it out?

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 18-17 Kim-Mathias: It’s still a one-point game. India led by two but Denmark pull one back. It’s been a strange period of play since the interval with short, scrappy points.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 17-16 Kim-Mathias: Every time it seems India will pull away, Denmark strike back. The Indians seem to be playing slightly better (not close to their best) but they’re still under pressure.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 16-15 Kim-Mathias: India win consecutive points before Chirag hits a lob long and then loses a challenge too. This could still go either way as neither team has any sort of momentum.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 14-14 Kim-Mathias: We’re back level. Quick points after the break with both pairs making mistakes. Again, a crucial phase of the game coming up and India will need to remain focussed.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 11-9 Kim-Mathias: A remarkable comeback by the Indians to take the lead to the interval. They were 2-8 down but won nine of the next 10 points. This will surely be tough to recover from for the Danes.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 9-9 Kim-Mathias: A rare service error from Denmark followed by another set of clever serves from Satwik and all of a sudden we’re back on level terms.

Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Couldn’t discern much of what Mathias Boe said during the interval but heard him address the Danes first-name basis. “When Kim serves...”, “When Mathias serves...” Good opening game for the Indians but Danes off to a strong start in game 2.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 2-8 Kim-Mathias: Five points in a row for Denmark! This is a dream start to the second game for them. India are being rushed and are unable to find enough answers at the moment.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18, 2-5 Kim-Mathias: A couple of tame mistakes by India and Denmark have an early lead again. The court seems to be quite slippery even now and Chirag, for one, does seem concerned about it.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 21-18 Kim-Mathias: India win the first game in 24 minutes! Impressive performance by Satwik and Chirag so far, they were trailing for the most part but never seemed to panic and made their move when the time was right. The Danes seemed to run out of answers in the second half of that game.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 19-16 Kim-Mathias: India are closing in on the first game. Chirag with a wonderful cross-court smash to increase the lead.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 17-15 Kim-Mathias: Another fantastic rally by the Indians with Satwik smashing a winner. They’re looking a lot more settled on the court now and are making a move at just the right time.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 15-14 Kim-Mathias: India have the lead! Swift play by Chirag at the net before Satwik puts in a clever serve to draw an error. This is a close, close battle at the moment.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 12-14 Kim-Mathias: India lose a challenge as Satwik hits one wide, they have one challenge remaining now.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 10-13 Kim-Mathias: Brilliant play but Satwik at the net as he moves both the Danish players from side to side before drawing an error. Chirag with a stunning full-length dive earlier to help India win a point.

Vinayakk Mohanarangan: Denmark sticking to splitting their top pair into two halves. Astrup with Christiansen, Rasmussen with Sogaard later. India simply cannot to afford this first doubles tie.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 8-11 Kim-Mathias: So the Danes win consecutive points to take a healthy lead to the interval. They’ve just looked slightly more sharper until now. India need to respond quickly.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 7-9 Kim-Mathias: Some incredible defence by the Indians as they return a barrage of smashes but the Danes manage to draw an error eventually. Not much to choose between the two pairs at the moment.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 5-8 Kim-Mathias: Satwik looking a tad slow to react at the moment and Denmark pick up consecutive points past him.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 5-5 Kim-Mathias: Swift attack by the Indians and they draw an error from the opponents. They follow that up with an error themselves before finding a couple of smash winners. We’re back level.

India 0-1 Denmark – Satwik-Chirag 0-3 Kim-Mathias: The Danes are off to a bright start. The Indian pair will be confident after its crucial win yesterday but they have another big job on their hands here with India trailing in the tie.

India 0-1 Denmark: Next up is a doubles clash as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty take on Kim Astrup and Mathias Christiansen. This will be the first meeting between these pairs.

India 0-1 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 13-21 Axelsen: That’s it, Sen crashes a backhand into the net and Axelsen completes the win in 49 minutes. The world No 1 collapses on his knees and gestures to his team in celebration. You can see how much this means to him. Sen fought hard but it’s Denmark who have won the all-important opening match of the tie.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 12-18 Axelsen: Credit to Sen that he is still giving it his all and making Axelsen work hard to win points. The world No 1 with a couple of errors and Sen picks up four straight points.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 7-17 Axelsen: The world No 1 has a 10-point lead now. This has been a masterclass by Axelsen. Sen hasn’t played as poorly as the scoreline suggests, it’s just that Axelsen has been that good.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 7-13 Axelsen: Sen with a winner! That’s more like it, he pins Axelsen in the forehand corner and eventually finds a clean smash. The Indian is still in this, but only just.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 4-11 Axelsen: Five straight points for the world No 1 and he takes a massive lead to the interval. Sen seems to be running out of ideas, full credit to Axelsen for playing at a ridiculously high level.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 4-8 Axelsen: Brilliant play from Axelsen. He moves Sen all over the court and finishes the point with a sublime backhand flick down the line. Sen is definitely working hard and hustling but things aren’t going his way at the moment.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 4-7 Axelsen: Axelsen slips again and Sen makes an error again. The Indian youngster looked frustrated after hitting that into the net.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 3-6 Axelsen: Sen is definitely being more aggressive in this game but he’s not finding the lines consistently enough. Crucial few minutes coming up as Axelsen is threatening to pull away again.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 2-3 Axelsen: SENsational play by Lakshya! Another jaw-dropping full-length dive by the 20-year-old to stay in the rally and this time he even manages to draw an error from Axelsen eventually. This will surely give him confidence.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21, 0-3 Axelsen: It’s all Axelsen so far in the second game. Sen looking a bit all over the place at the moment. He’ll need to find some rhythm soon as it seems the world No 1 can sense the kill.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 13-21 Axelsen: Viktor Axelsen wins the first game in 21 minutes! The match started promisingly with both players going neck and neck but the world No 1 soon found his rhythm and started to pull away. Lakshya Sen will need a special effort to win the match from here.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 12-19 Axelsen: The world No 1 is winning the longer rallies consistently. He gets another smash winner. This is turning into quite a one-sided game. Sen will need to change strategies.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 11-16 Axelsen: Stunning rally! A 46-shot rally, the longest of the match so far, and Axelsen comes out on top. Sen put in a sensational full-length dive and got back up on his feet in a flash to remain in the rally, the shuttle kept going to all corners before Axelsen found a winner down the line. Sen has now lost both his reviews.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 11-15 Axelsen: The world No 1 slips but does incredibly well to remain in the rally, Sen then keeps up the pressure and draws an error eventually. But Axelsen responds with two smash winners from the net. He’s starting to pull away.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 9-11 Axelsen: Wonderful disguise in Sen’s play as he draws Axelsen forward before whipping a cross-court winner. But Axelsen responds with some great defence to ensure he has the lead at the interval.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 8-8 Axelsen: Axelsen uses that devastating jump smash to draw an error from Sen. He then plays a similar shot but with lesser pace and gets a clean winner. We’re back level.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 6-5 Axelsen: Another excellent rally and this time Sen smashes straight into Axelsen’s body and draws the error. The world No 1 then flicks one wide and Sen gets the lead for the first time. Very little to choose between the two players.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 3-5 Axelsen: Brilliant rally as both players are made to cover every corner and it ends with Sen going for a cross-court winner and pushing it wide.

India 0-0 Denmark – Sen 1-1 Axelsen: An error from both players to begin the match. But we should start seeing some pulsating badminton soon.

4.36 pm: We’re almost ready for play! Lakshya Sen and Viktor Axelsen are on the court. Axelsen of course is the world No 1 and reigning Olympic champion. These two have played each other six times with the Danish star having won five of those matches, including the last one.

It was an unforgettable win for India on Thursday...

Here’s a look at the order of play for today:

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Thomas Cup semifinals between India and Denmark in Bangkok.

The India’s men’s badminton team created history on Thursday as they became the first team from the country to secure a medal at the Thomas Cup. India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the quarterfinal, with Srikanth Kidambi, HS Prannoy and the doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy registering victories.

Thomas Cup: Satwik-Chirag, Srikanth, Prannoy star as India reach semifinal to guarantee medal

All screenshots courtesy Tournament Software