<p>The entry in the last-four stage has not only assured the four-member Indian team a bronze medal but also a straight entry into the World Junior Championships to be held in Slovakia in December this year.<br /><br />The junior team outclassed DPR Korea 3-1 in the quarter-finals and will now take on the mighty China in the semis.Indian paddlers had earlier trounced Iran (3-0), Kazakhstan (3-0) and Sri Lanka (3-0) on their way to the last-eight stage.<br /><br />In the first encounter of the day, G Sathyan lost to Kim-Jo Hyok 7-11 9-11 8-11.<br />S Ghosh defeated Choil Il 12-10 11-8 6-11 12-10 to draw parity. Later, Harmit Desai consolidated the position humbling Kim Hyok Ju 11-7 4-11 11-8 11-7.<br /><br />G Sathyan downed Choil Il 11-5 11-8 11-7 in his reverse singles to give India an unassailable lead.<br /><br />"The Indians put up a grand show against the Koreans whom we have beaten for the first time," Team coach Sunil Babras said.<br /><br />"Though the Chinese will be difficult to beat on, the win against North Korean has given the boys a lot of confidence," Babras added.</p>
<p>The entry in the last-four stage has not only assured the four-member Indian team a bronze medal but also a straight entry into the World Junior Championships to be held in Slovakia in December this year.<br /><br />The junior team outclassed DPR Korea 3-1 in the quarter-finals and will now take on the mighty China in the semis.Indian paddlers had earlier trounced Iran (3-0), Kazakhstan (3-0) and Sri Lanka (3-0) on their way to the last-eight stage.<br /><br />In the first encounter of the day, G Sathyan lost to Kim-Jo Hyok 7-11 9-11 8-11.<br />S Ghosh defeated Choil Il 12-10 11-8 6-11 12-10 to draw parity. Later, Harmit Desai consolidated the position humbling Kim Hyok Ju 11-7 4-11 11-8 11-7.<br /><br />G Sathyan downed Choil Il 11-5 11-8 11-7 in his reverse singles to give India an unassailable lead.<br /><br />"The Indians put up a grand show against the Koreans whom we have beaten for the first time," Team coach Sunil Babras said.<br /><br />"Though the Chinese will be difficult to beat on, the win against North Korean has given the boys a lot of confidence," Babras added.</p>