Malaysia Open: Kidambi Srikanth seals quarterfinal spot, PV Sindhu loses

Suhas Nayse / TNN / Updated: Apr 4, 2019, 22:49 IST

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India's Kidambi Srikanth made it to the men's singles quarterfinal but an erratic PV Sindhu went down in straight games in women's singles competition at the $750,000 Malaysia Open on Thursday.

Malaysia Open: Kidambi Srikanth seals quarterfinal spot, PV Sindhu loses

Key Highlights

Srikanth defeated Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab 21-11, 21-15 to set up a meeting with Chen Long
Sindhu blew a 13-10 advantage in the opening game to go down 18-21, 7-21 to Sung Ji Hyun
Pranaav Jerry Chopra/N Sikki Reddy lost 21-15, 17-21, 13-21 to Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing

NAGPUR: Kidambi Srikanth kept the Indian flag flying high by sailing into the quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open BWF World Tour Super 750 Badminton tournament at Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Much was expected from PV Sindhu but she disappointed after failing to clear the second round. The mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy also flattered to deceive as they lost to lower-ranked local pair.
Eighth seed Srikanth made short work of Khosit Phetpradab of Thailand 21-11, 21-15 in the men's singles second round.The World No. 7 dominated the 32-minute encounter to seal the last eight berth.
The 26-year-old Srikanth opened up an early lead of 6-2. He consolidated his position and clinched the opening game 21-11.

In the second game too, he dictated terms to seal the fate of Khosit in just over half an hour.
Srikanth will have to perform at the same level as he faces reigning Olympic champion Chen Long for a spot in the semifinals on Friday. The fourth-seeded Chinese enjoys a 5-1 head-to-head record against the Indian. However, Srikanth had beaten the World No. 5 in the last encounter at the Australian Open a few years ago.
For the second time in two months, Sindhu suffered a defeat to

Sung Ji Hyun. The Korean had edged out fifth seed Sindhu in three games at Birmingham but on Thursday she required just two games - 21-18, 21-7 - to seal the fate of the Indian.
World No.6 Sindhu led 13-10 at one stage. However, she squandered a three-point lead and lost 18-21 as the Korean won 11 of the last 16 points. In the second game, the world No.10 Sung's agility and power proved too hot for Sindhu.
Pranaav Chopra and Sikki Reddy lost 21-15, 17-21, 13-21 to the Malaysian pair of Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing in 56 minutes.
Indian results (PQFs):
Men's singles: 8-Kidambi Srikanth bt Khosit Phetpradab (Tha) 21-11, 21-15.
Women's singles: 5-PV Sindhu lost to Sung Ji Hyun (Kor) 18-21, 7-21.
Mixed doubles: Pranaav Jerry Chopra/N Sikki Reddy lost to Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing (Mas) 21-15, 17-21, 13-21.

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