Korea Open: HS Prannoy retires hurt, Ayush Shetty falls as India's challenge ends on Day 1

India’s run at the Korea Open Super 500 came to an early halt on Wednesday, with all players bowing out on the first day of the main draw.HS Prannoy, the country’s senior-most shuttler in the tournament, was forced to retire midway through his opening match. The 33-year-old was trailing 5-8 against Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo when he appeared to pick up an injury, as he held the region near his right ribs after playing a cross-court smash. Though he resumed after a medical timeout, Prannoy continued to struggle and conceded the match at 8-16. Ayush Shetty, who had claimed the US Open Super 300 title earlier this year, was beaten in straight games by Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei. The 20-year-old lost 18-21, 18-21 in a 47-minute contest. Kiran George also fought hard before going down to former world champion Loh Kean Yew. After losing the opening game 14-21, the Indian forced a decider by taking the second 22-20 but eventually slipped to a 14-21 defeat in the third. In women’s singles, Anupama Upadhyaya faced a tough draw against fourth seed and world No. 8 Putri Wardani of Indonesia. The 20-year-old Indian was beaten 16-21, 15-21. India’s challenge in doubles also ended early. Mixed doubles pair Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan lost 7-21, 14-21 to Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara. With these results, India’s campaign at the Korea Masters surprisingly concluded on the opening day itself, in the Round of 32.