A product of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, 76th ranked Mithun Manjunath made a mark in the Singapore Open Super 500 tournament with a stunning win over Kidambi Srikanth. In the women’s singles, Ashmita Chaliha outclassed Thailand's world number 12 Busanan Ongbamrunghphan in straight games 21-16 21-11.
Mithun shocked World championships silver medallist Srikanth in a closely-fought contest. In the third game, Srikanth managed a one-point lead towards the end but Mithun held his nerves and pulled off a major upset. After beating Srikanth 21-17 15-21 21-18, Mithun will now take on Ireland's Nhat Nguyen.
The 24-year-old has had a roller coaster year. He had contracted Covid-19 and was ruled out of India Open Super 500. The youngster made it to the Indian team for Asia Team Championships in Malaysia by reaching the semifinals at Syed Modi International and quarterfinals at Odisha Super 100.
In her next clash, high on confidence Ashmita will face China's Han Yue. The world number 66 did not get off to an ideal start as she was trailing 5-10 in the first game but managed to win it in straight games.
PV Sindhu advanced to the second round as well with a comprehensive win over Belgium's Lianne Tan. After few minor hiccups in the first game, Sindhu beat the world no.36 in straight sets 21-13 21-16. Sindhu's next rival us Vietnam's Thuy Linh Nguyen.
HS Prannoy continued his good run and made short work of Thailand's Sittihikom Thammasin. Prannoy won the game in straight sets 21-13 21-16. His next rival is third seeded Chou Tien Chen. Recently, Prannoy had beaten Chen in the Malaysia Open where he reached the semifinals.
India's London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal advanced to the second round as well. In a grudge match, Nehwal beat Malvika Bansod 21-18 21-14, to whom she lost in the India Open.
In women's doubles, Pooka Dandu and Arathi Sara Sunil moved to the second round without playing. Their second round rivals from Chinese Taipei -- Hu Ling Fang and Lin Xiao Min -- withdrew from the the tournament.
