NEW DELHI: PV SindhuAn impressive comeback at the China Open continued on Wednesday as the two-time Olympic medalist battled Indian newcomer Unnati Hooda to book her place in the second round, while Ayush Shetty stole the spotlight with a stunning upset against world no. 11 Alwi Farhan.Just days after ending a two-year title drought by winning the Japan Open, Sindhu showed grit and composure to overcome a spirited challenge from 18-year-old Unnati 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a 56-minute women’s singles opening-round clash at the BWF Super 1000 event.The victory extends Sindhu’s winning streak as the former world champion continues to rediscover her best form ahead of a crucial stage of the international season.
Sindhu survived Unnati’s spirited challenge
The opening game was closely contested, with Unnati matching Sindhu point for point until 7-7. The experienced Indian then swung into action, reeling off five straight points to build a commanding lead before uncomfortably closing out the match 21-14.The second match, however, belonged to the teenager.After the scores were tied at 2-2, Unnati took a 6-3 lead and then strung together six consecutive points to open up a huge 12-4 advantage. Sindhu struggled to find her rhythm as the youngster remained in complete control, cruising to a dominant 21-9 victory to force a decider.The final match showed Sindhu’s experience. After a competitive start, the 30-year-old gradually took control, extending his lead from 6-3 to 10-5 and later 15-8 before sealing a convincing 21-10 victory.Sindhu now faces a blockbuster second-round clash against fourth seed and home favorite Chen Yufei, whom she defeated in straight games during the Japan Open semifinals last week. However, Chen still holds a slender 8-7 head-to-head lead over the Indian star.
Ayush Shetty’s scripts are a big rage
While Sindhu improved as expected, Ayush Shetty pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the opening round by beating Indonesia’s world no. 11 and former world junior champion Alwi Farhan.Shetty recovered from the opening game loss to register a memorable 17-21, 21-5, 21-17 victory in 57 minutes.The Indian showed remarkable composure after falling early, completely dominating the second game before holding his nerve in a tense decision to complete one of the best wins of his career.The win was another important milestone for the promising youngster, who continues to make his mark against higher-ranked opponents on the BWF World Tour.
Mixed fortunes for India
India’s campaign, however, ended for several pairs of doubles.Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun lost 16-21, 7-21 against the Chinese duo of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the men’s doubles.In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani fell to top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, 9-21, 16-21, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost 18-21, 18-21 against the fifth-seeded Chinese pair Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui.