Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Sindhu and Srikanth register opening-round wins, Kiran George exits in the first round
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and former world number one Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round of the Indonesia Masters badminton tournament on Wednesday after winning their respective opening matches. However, India’s campaign suffered a setback as Kiran George was knocked out in the first round.
In the women’s singles category, fifth seed PV Sindhu fought hard to defeat Japan’s Manami Suizu in a closely contested match. Sindhu won the encounter 22-20, 21-18 in a match that lasted 53 minutes. Both players were involved in long rallies throughout the game, testing each other’s stamina and skills. In the first game, the Japanese shuttler pushed Sindhu to the limit, but the Indian star held her nerve at crucial moments to take the lead. The second game also saw intense competition, with Sindhu using her experience and controlled aggression to seal the victory.
In men’s singles, Kidambi Srikanth also put in an impressive performance to book his place in the second round. Srikanth defeated his opponent in straight games, displaying a good mix of sharp smashes and effective net play. The win was particularly significant as Srikanth appeared to be regaining rhythm on the international stage, and it is expected to boost his confidence going forward in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Kiran George’s campaign came to an early end as he lost his first-round match and bowed out of the competition. Despite showing glimpses of fighting spirit, Kiran failed to capitalize on key moments, which ultimately cost him the match.
Overall, the performances of PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth have provided a positive start for India at the Indonesia Masters. Both players will now look to carry their momentum into the second round, where tougher challenges are expected.