India’s star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the pre-quarterfinals of the China Masters on Wednesday, while Lakshya Sen crashed out in the opening round to end India’s singles challenge.
Satwik-Chirag maintain dominance
Coming off a runner-up finish at the Hong Kong Open last week, Satwik and Chirag extended their fine form with a 24-22, 21-13 victory over Malaysia’s Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap in 42 minutes. The Indians were pushed hard in the opening game but held their nerve in the closing points before cruising through the second to keep their perfect head-to-head record intact.
Lakshya suffers early exit
In men’s singles, Lakshya Sen endured a disappointing outing as he went down 11-21, 10-21 to France’s Toma Junior Popov in just 30 minutes. His defeat followed Ayush Shetty’s earlier exit, leaving India without a representative in men’s singles.
Mixed doubles disappointment
The mixed doubles duo of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also bowed out, losing 19-21, 13-21 to second-seeded home favourites Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping.
Sindhu eyes progress
Meanwhile, in women’s singles, P.V. Sindhu has already booked her place in the last-16. The former world champion faces a tough challenge against sixth seed Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand in her next match.
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