NEW DELHI: PV SindhuThe impressive China Open revival continued at the China Open on Wednesday as the two-time Olympic medalist battled past rising Indian teenager Unnati Hooda to book her place in the second round, while Ayush Shetty stole the limelight with a stunning upset over the no. 11 Alwi Farhan.A few days after ending a two-year title drought by winning the Japan Open, Sindhu showed grit and composure to overcome a spirited challenge from 18-year-old Unnati 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a 56-minute encounter in the women’s singles at the BWF Super 1000 event.The win extends Sindhu’s winning momentum as the former world champion continues to find her best form ahead of a crucial stretch of the international season.
Sindhu survives Unnati’s spirited challenge
The opening match was closely contested, with Unnati matching Sindhu point for point until 7-7. The experienced Indian then switched gears, scoring five consecutive points to establish a commanding lead before comfortably taking out the game 21-14.The second game, however, belongs entirely to the teenager.After the scores were tied at 2-2, Unnati went ahead 6-3 and then rattled off six straight points to open up a massive 12-4 lead. Sindhu struggled to find her rhythm as the youngster maintained complete control, cruising to a dominant 21-9 win to force a decider.The final game showcased Sindhu’s experience. After a competitive start, the 30-year-old gradually took control, extending her lead from 6-3 to 10-5 and later 15-8 before sealing a convincing 21-10 victory.Sindhu now faces a blockbuster second-round clash against fourth seed and home favorite Chen Yufei, whom she defeated in straight games during the semi-finals of the Japan Open last week. Chen, however, still holds a slender 8-7 head-to-head edge over the Indian star.
Ayush Shetty writes a big disturbance
While Sindhu progressed as expected, Ayush Shetty produced one of the biggest upsets of the opening round by upsetting Indonesian world No. 11 and former world junior champion Alwi Farhan.Shetty recovered from losing the opening game to record a memorable 17-21, 21-5, 21-17 win in 57 minutes.The Indian showed remarkable composure after falling behind early, completely dominating the second game before holding his nerve in a tense decision to complete one of the finest victories of his career.The victory is another important milestone for the promising youngster, who continues to make his mark against the highest ranked opponents on the BWF World Tour.
Mixed fortunes for India
India’s campaign, however, ended for several doubles pairs.Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun suffered a 16-21, 7-21 defeat against the Chinese duo of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the men’s doubles.In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani fell 9-21, 16-21 to top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost 18-21, 18-21 to China’s fifth-seeded Guo Xin Wa and Chen F.