India Open: PV Sindhu, Kiran George advance to quarters

NEW DELHI: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the quarterfinals, while Kiran George delivered a spirited performance to keep India's hopes alive in men's singles at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament on Thursday.

Sindhu dominated her match against Japan's world No.46 Manami Suizu, securing a convincing 21-15, 21-13 win. Meanwhile, Kiran staged a remarkable comeback to defeat France's Alex Lanier 22-20, 21-13 in the pre-quarters.

A former world champion, Sindhu will next face Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.

Kiran, on the other hand, will meet the left-handed Chinese shuttler Hong Yang Weng in his upcoming match.

Kiran's encounter with Alex began with the Frenchman racing to a 6-1 lead. However, a series of unforced errors allowed Kiran to regain momentum. Despite Alex's powerful smashes, Kiran demonstrated remarkable resilience to stay in the game. Alex maintained a three-point lead at the interval, but Kiran's mental toughness shone through.

Trailing 14-20 in the opening game, Kiran saved six game points, launching an impressive eight-point streak to clinch the game as Alex struggled with his accuracy.

In the second game, Kiran maintained his composure, leading 14-11 after a closely contested start.

Alex's smashes continued to go wide and long, and Kiran capitalized on every opportunity. With Alex losing both his challenges, Kiran surged to a 19-13 lead and wrapped up the match after a couple of net errors by the Frenchman.

"I was just taking it one point at a time, not thinking about the lead. I think that helped me secure the first set. I was just being patient," Kiran said after the match.

"This win feels good, but I'm focused on my next match. It's a huge confidence booster. Going into tomorrow's match will help a lot. It's just hard work; I'm playing patiently. That's what I think changed my game. Today, I didn't have anything to lose, so I gave my all."



Sindhu vs Suizu

Sindhu made a strong start, leading 11-6 at the break. Although Suizu briefly narrowed the gap to 11-13 and 13-14, Sindhu was always a step ahead, with the Japanese player unable to cope with the Indian's powerful smashes. Sindhu continued to hit deep returns and used precise drops to trouble Suizu. Soon, she was 20-14 up and sealed the game when Suizu hit into the net.

After the change of sides, Sindhu raced to a 5-0 lead. The second game was all about Sindhu, as she quickly established a dominant 11-2 lead at the interval, and it became clear that Suizu had no answers to the Indian's relentless pressure.