India's Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto Triumph in Badminton Asia Championships Opener
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ningbo (China), April 7 (NationPress) The leading mixed doubles team from India, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, kicked off their journey with a victory on the opening day of the Badminton Asia Championships held at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center in Ningbo, China.
In their first match, they faced the Thai duo of Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard, winning the initial game 21-14. The Thai pair retaliated by taking the second game 21-11, pushing the match to a decisive third game. Regaining their footing, Dhruv and Tanisha sealed the match with a score of 21-15 in the final game.
Next, the Indian team will encounter a tough Round of 16 battle against Cheng Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei from Malaysia, who currently boast a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head matchups.
In other mixed doubles action, Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh were defeated by Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien with scores of 21-16, 21-15, while Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani faced an exit against the eighth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie, losing 21-13, 21-19.
Among the top Indian singles competitors, PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen will commence their matches on Wednesday. The two-time Olympic medallist, Sindhu, is set to face Wong Ling Ching of Malaysia in a Round of 32 clash in the women’s singles main draw. Additionally, three other Indian female singles players, Unnati Hooda, Malvika Bansod, and Tanvi Sharma, are also in the main draw and are expected to commence their matches on Wednesday.
In the men’s singles category, H.S Prannoy, the Thomas Cup champion, is set to compete against Nguyen Hai Dang from Vietnam, who is currently ranked World No. 62, while the young talent Ayush Shetty will take on fifth seed Li Shi Feng of China, the 2023 All-England champion, in a first-round contest.
Veteran player Kidambi Srikanth will begin his campaign against Loh Kean Yew from Singapore, while Paris Olympic Games semifinalist Lakshya Sen will kick off his tournament against Lee Cheuk Yiu from Hong Kong-China in a Round of 32 match.