Aaron-Wooi Yik storm into World Championships final

Delhi transformed a World Championships semi-final into a homecoming, with temperatures soaring at 33 degrees Celsius outside the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The atmosphere inside was electric, with a buzz that was palpable. Gate 7 became the focal point for many, as they eagerly awaited the Indian women's doubles semi-final between Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Pullela Gopichand.

The stadium's air conditioning was on full blast for the 15,000-seater event, creating a similar ambiance to the growing crowd. The players faced off in a grueling three-game contest, with the Indian team emerging victorious in the first game, and the crowd behind them throughout. Handmade posters and chants echoed throughout the venue, with fans chanting "C mon Pullela!" and "Jolly Jolly" as their team earned points.

As the match progressed, the crowd's energy ebbed and flowed with the intensity of the game. When the Chinese duo began to take the lead, the crowd's decibel levels rose, matching the Indians' determination on the court. By the third set, the Chinese team's relentless pressure took its toll, and the Indians' effort flagged. The fans, however, remained steadfast, believing in their 23-year-old heroes. Ultimately, the victory was not theirs, but the stadium made its mark that day.