Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu progressed to the second round of the women's singles event at the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament. Despite facing tough opposition from Canada's Michelle Li, a former world number 8, Sindhu secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 20-22, 22-20, 21-19 in a thrilling match lasting an hour and 20 minutes at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle in Paris.
India's Kidambi Srikanth too entered the second round of the men's singles with an unexpected victory over Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. However, HS Prannoy was ousted early from the competition on March 6.
Srikanth thrashes world no. 14 Chen
The world no. 24 Srikanth is striving to qualify for the Paris Olympics as he defeated world no. 14 Chen 21-15, 20-22, 21-8 in a thrilling first-round match that lasted 66 minutes. This marked his third victory over the Taiwanese player in seven encounters.
Srikanth to face world no. 17 Lu Guang Zu
In the upcoming round, Srikanth, who won silver at the 2021 world championships, will face China's world no. 17 Lu Guang Zu.
HS Prannoy falls to Guang Zu
Guang Zu ended Prannoy's campaign with a convincing 21-17, 21-17 victory on the adjacent court at the Arena Porte de la Chapelle. Srikanth displayed superior gameplay, rallying from a 5-7 deficit to win 14 of the next 17 points and secure the win.
However, Chen staged a comeback in the second game, maintaining a slight lead throughout the crucial moments to force a decider after a tense battle. After changing sides, Srikanth regained control, scoring nine consecutive points from 7-5 to leave Chen trailing behind. Although the Taiwanese managed to score three points, Srikanth secured the win with five final points.
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Meanwhile, the Chinese player persisted in narrowing the gap with the Indian, keeping the score within two points and patiently waiting for an opportunity. Eventually, the chance presented itself when Prannoy's backhand stroke hit the net, allowing the Chinese player to level the score at 16-16 before Prannoy made another mistake.
Guang Zu secured the first game by capitalising on a swift return to Prannoy's backhand. In the second game, Prannoy faced an early deficit, trailing 0-3. However, he steadily clawed his way back into the game, levelling the score at 6-6 with well-placed winners, including a down-the-line smash on Guang Zu's forehand.
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