Sindhu Advances, Tharun, Tanvi and Srikanth Exit Arctic Open
Two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals at the USD 500,000 Arctic Open Super 500 in Vantaa on Thursday after overcoming Japan’s Riko Gunji in straight games.
The sixth-seeded Indian produced a composed performance to beat Gunji 21-15, 21-15 in the second round. Sindhu, who won the Japan Open Super 750 title in July, will next face top seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.
Sindhu’s progress provided a positive result for India on a day when several other Indian singles players saw their campaigns come to an end.
Sindhu Sets Up Clash With Intanon
Sindhu maintained control throughout her contest against Gunji and secured the match in two games without allowing her Japanese opponent to take the tie into a decider.
The Indian will now face a much tougher challenge against Intanon, who is one of the leading names in the women’s draw. The Thai star also ended Tanvi Sharma’s campaign in the tournament.
For Sindhu, the quarterfinal appearance continues a strong run after her title-winning performance at the Japan Open earlier this year.
Tharun and Tanvi Bow Out in Straight Games
Tharun Mannepalli was unable to progress in the men’s singles draw after losing to France’s second seed Christo Popov.
Popov controlled the contest and secured a 21-14, 21-19 victory over the Indian, bringing Mannepalli’s campaign to an end.
Tanvi faced an equally difficult task against Intanon in the women’s singles. The Thai player won 21-18, 21-7 to move into the next round and set up her meeting with Sindhu.
The defeat ended Tanvi’s run despite her competitive opening game, as Intanon pulled away decisively in the second.
Srikanth Falls in Opening Round
Former world number one Kidambi Srikanth also failed to progress after suffering a three-game defeat against Canada’s Brian Yang in the opening round.
Srikanth took the first game 21-15, but Yang responded strongly to win the second 21-15 and then completed the comeback with a 21-13 victory in the decider.
India will continue to have representation in the men’s doubles competition. Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy are scheduled to face England’s Oliver Butler and Samuel Jones later in the day.
