Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu was knocked out early, while up-and-coming talent Malvika Bansod caused a major upset to secure a place in the pre-quarterfinals at the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament on Tuesday.
PV Sindhu loses to Canada’s Michelle Lii in the first round
Sixth seed Sindhu, who has won two Olympic medals, was defeated by Canada’s Michelle Li in two straight sets. Sindhu had a tough time getting into her groove and ended up losing 16-21, 10-21 in the round of 32, showing a disappointing performance in her first competition after the Paris Olympics.
Also read: Arctic Open Badminton: Lakshya, Sindhu to lead India’s campaign
Malvika Bansod defeats World No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei
On the international stage, Malvika Bansod demonstrated her resilience and growing skill. The 23-year-old from Nagpur fought bravely to beat World No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei. Bansod secured a tough win in two sets, 21-19, 24-22, in an exciting match that lasted 57 minutes.
Bansod, who won her first title in more than two years at the Azerbaijan International in February, is advancing in a positive direction, with this recent win showing her increasing abilities and resilience.
Also read: China Open: Malvika’s dream run ends after loss to Yamaguchi in quarters
However, Bansod is expected to encounter more difficulties as she is now up against a previous world champion in the upcoming round. She will challenge the victor of the game between Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon, the 2013 global titleholder and top-seeded player, and Wang Zhi Yi of China, the reigning 2022 world champion.
Also read: Malvika Bansod enters quarter-finals of BWF China Open Super 1000
Aakarshi Kashyap overcomes Germany’s Yvonne Li
Meanwhile, Aakarshi Kashyap contributed to India’s success in the women’s singles by progressing to the next stage with a convincing 21-19, 21-14 win against Yvonne Li from Germany. During the tournament, Indian badminton players will strive to keep up their momentum despite facing tough competition.
