Kapila and Crasto dominated the opener with superior court coverage and sharp angles, but the Thais flipped the script in the second game through relentless pressure. Undeterred, the Indians regrouped for a commanding third-game performance, sealing progression to the last 16.

Their reward? A rematch with Malaysia’s Cheng Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei, who have twice bested them before. Victory here would mark a breakthrough and boost confidence.

Mixed doubles disappointments included Ashith Surya-Amrutha Pramudesh’s straight-games loss to Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chui Sien (16-21, 15-21), and Rohan Kapoor-Gadde Ruthvika Shivani’s exit against top Malaysian seeds Goh Soon Huat-Lai Shevon Jamie (13-21, 19-21).

Wednesday brings star power. PV Sindhu, Olympic bronze and silver medalist, clashes with Wong Ling Ching in women’s singles round of 32. Hooda, Bansod, and Sharma also enter the fray.

Men’s action features Prannoy vs. Nguyen Hai Dang (Vietnam), Ayush Shetty vs. Li Shi Feng (China, seed 5), Srikanth vs. Loh Kean Yu (Singapore), and Lakshya Sen vs. Li Chak Yuu (Hong Kong). India’s depth could yield multiple quarterfinalists in this high-stakes tournament.