Picture Credit: Twitter
The Indian contingent had a dream start at the State Sports Centre in Sydney on Wednesday, August 2. While India’s Kidambi Srikanth eased past World No. 14 Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in straight sets to reach the second round of Australian Open 2023. HS Prannoy, PV Sindhu, Priyanshu Rajawat were other notable shuttlers to progress further in the tournament.
The World No. 19 ranked Srikanth defeated his Japanese opponent 21-18, 21-7 in 36 minutes in Round of 32 to setup a clash against Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang on Thursday, August 3. Compatriot HS Prannoy also cruised past Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu 21-18, 16-21, 21-15 to enter Round of 16 in 66 minutes.
On the other hand, two-time Olympic medallist and fifth-seeded PV Sindhu also ended her first-round exit jinx with win over compatriot Ashmita Chaliha in straight games of 21-18, 21-13 in 36 minutes. She will next face Akarshi Kashyap, who also registered straight wins over her opponent in Round of 32.
Priyanshu Rajawat also sealed a straight game win 21-12, 21-16 over Australia’s Nathan Tang in 33 minutes clash. He will face Chinese Taipei’s Wang Tzu Wei in his next match on Thursday, August 3.
