In the bustling courts of Ningbo, Indian badminton stars experienced highs and lows on the opening day of the Asian Championships. PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy kept India’s medal hopes alive with hard-fought victories, but Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out prematurely.
Sindhu’s match against Wong Ling Ching was a classic. After a shaky 15-21 first game, she roared back 21-11 in the second. The third game swung wildly, but at 19-all, Sindhu tapped into her championship pedigree for a 21-19 triumph after 67 minutes. She eyes a tough second-round clash with Wang Zhi Yi of China.
Prannoy delivered a statement win over Nguyen Hai Dang, edging 24-22 in a first-game thriller before cruising 21-12. His next hurdle: Weng Hong Yang of China.
Lakshya Sen struggled against Lee Cheuk Yiu, succumbing 12-21, 19-21 in under 45 minutes. Srikanth started hot, taking the first 21-18 over Loh Kean Yew, but the Singaporean rallied 21-9, 21-11 to advance.
Ayush Shetty emerged as the hero, toppling world No. 7 Li Shi Feng straight-sets to storm into pre-quarters against Chi Yu Jen. However, disappointment loomed in women’s singles as Malvika Bansod and Tanvi Sharma bowed out early, underscoring challenges ahead for India’s campaign.
