Guwahati: Tanvi Sharma delivered a near-perfect performance to reach the girls' singles final of the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati. The 16-year-old created history by becoming only the third Indian female to reach the summit clash of the tournament, following Aparna Popat and former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal. She secured a commanding 15-11, 15-9 victory over China’s Liu Si Ya, the Asian Junior Championships silver medalist, in just 31 minutes.

Tanvi, the top seed, will face Thailand’s second-seeded Anyapat Phichitpreechasak in the final after the latter came back from a game down to defeat compatriot Yataweemin Ketklieng 10-15, 15-11, 15-5 in the other semifinal. Tanvi had already guaranteed India a medal by reaching the semifinals—the first Indian female medalist at the World Junior Championships in 17 years.

Throughout her semi-final, Tanvi showcased aggressive play and tactical mastery, opening with a strong lead and controlling the pace. She used deft flicks and sharp cross-court shots to keep Liu off balance. Despite a brief lapse at 12-4 in the second game, Tanvi’s coach advised her to focus on precision, which helped her regain control and close out the match.

On the boys’ side, India’s Mo­­hd. Zaki Ubaidillah also exhibited resilience in a thrilling three-game battle against China’s Li Zhi Hang, winning 14-16, 16-14, 15-12 after saving three match points.

With inputs from IANS