Daijiworld Media Network - Paris
Paris, March 20: Indian badminton players are set for crucial quarter-final clashes at the Orléans Masters, with multiple matches lined up at the Palais des Sports on Friday.
In women’s singles, rising youngster Tanvi Sharma will take on Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira at around 5:30 pm IST. Later in the evening, Malvika Bansod faces compatriot Isharani Baruah at about 7:00 pm IST, ensuring India a confirmed semi-finalist in the category.
In men’s doubles, the Indian pair of M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan will also be in action later in the day.
India’s strong presence in the women’s singles draw follows an impressive run in earlier rounds. Seventeen-year-old Sharma advanced with a straight-game win over Anmol Kharb after registering a notable upset against Supanida Katethong. Bansod progressed past Wong Ling Ching, while Baruah defeated Wen Yu Zhang to book her place in the last eight.
However, India’s campaign in other categories saw setbacks. In men’s singles, Kidambi Srikanth exited in the opening round, while Ayush Shetty bowed out in the second round. In mixed doubles, the duo of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde were eliminated in three games by French pair Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.
With multiple players still in contention, India will look to convert its quarter-final appearances into podium finishes at the tournament.