Daijiworld Media Network - Bangkok
Bangkok, May 13: India enjoyed a largely positive outing at the Thailand Open on Wednesday, with seasoned shuttlers P. V. Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advancing to the second round in commanding fashion, while young talent Ayush Shetty bowed out after a hard-fought encounter.
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu delivered a dominant performance in her opening match, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Tung Ciou-Tong 21-9, 21-12 in just 33 minutes. The sixth seed remained in complete control throughout the contest, combining precise shot placement with aggressive movement to register one of her most comfortable victories of the season.
The former world champion, who is chasing her first BWF World Tour title since winning the 2024 Syed Modi International, will next face Denmark’s Amalie Schulz in their maiden meeting on the tour.
Kidambi Srikanth also progressed confidently to the round of 16 after overcoming Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew 21-14, 21-15 in a repeat of the 2021 World Championships final. The former world No. 1 displayed composure and attacking intent, rarely allowing his opponent to settle despite a brief resistance late in the second game.
Srikanth, the Thailand Open champion in 2013, will now take on Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang in the next round.
Ayush Shetty, however, could not continue his impressive run as he went down to Japan’s sixth seed Kodai Naraoka in a three-game battle. Despite entering the match with a superior head-to-head record, the Indian youngster eventually lost 21-13, 17-21, 21-4 in 59 minutes.
After recovering strongly to level the match by taking the second game, Ayush struggled in the decider as Naraoka tightened his defensive play and dominated the rallies with relentless retrievals and pace.
In women’s singles, teenager Unnati Hooda produced one of the biggest upsets of the day by defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 11-21, 21-17, 21-16 after a spirited comeback.
Another young Indian, Anmol Kharb, came close to stunning reigning champion Chen Yu Fei of China. Kharb won the opening game and even established a commanding 11-2 lead in the deciding game before the experienced Chinese shuttler staged a remarkable turnaround to win 19-21, 21-13, 21-18.
Meanwhile, Tharun Mannepalli’s campaign ended with a straight-game defeat to Japan’s Koki Watanabe.
Later in the tournament, Indian players Lakshya Sen, Tanvi Sharma, Devika Sihag, Malvika Bansod and Isharani Baruah are scheduled to feature in singles matches, while three Indian pairs will also compete in the mixed doubles category.