India shuttle past Singapore

Hyderabad, The Indian shuttlers began their campaign in Asia Team Championships in style with both the men’s and women’s teams posting comprehensive victories (5-0) over Singapore to make it to the quarterfinals. To begin with, Kidambi Srikanth scored a comfortable 21-16 12-21 21-13 win over Zi Liang Derek Wong in the first singles match at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium here today.
The Singaporean tried to compete but the world No. 9 Indian, after losing the second game, bounced back to have the last laugh.
It turned out to be a one-sided affair for Ajay Jayaram in the second singles against Kean Yew Loh as he went on to score a 21-11 21-18 victory.
India’s doubles players, too, came up with an impressive performance and won the two matches quite easily. Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy beat Yong Kai Terry Hee-Kean Hean Loh 21-15 21-14. The duo of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Akshay Dewalkar trounced Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Hendra Wijaya 21-14 21-13 in the second doubles match.
The 27-ranked HS Prannoy, too, dominated his singles match against Zin Rei Ryan NG, winning it 21-10 21-12.
Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand expressed happiness over the team’s commanding performance. “It’s a good win. The 5-0 win is wonderful. Hopefully, we will keep the momentum going in next matches as well,” he said.
In the women’s category, despite Saina Nehwal’s absence, PV Sindhu gave India a headstart with a 21-17, 21-11 win against Singapore’s Xiaoyu Liang. The Singapore shuttler, ranked 42, put up a competitive show in the first game, but Sindhu had it easy in the second game. The Indian came up with some delectable shots in the third game to clinch the match.
PC Thulasi, ranked 111, too had a great day in office with a comfortable 21-16 21-7 win against a low-ranked Hui Zhen Grace Chua in the second singles match. Ruthivika Shivani Gadde, too, did not have to sweat to tame her rival Jia Min Yeo in the other singles match.
India’s famed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa too proved their mettle with a comfortable 21-18 21-16 victory over Shinta Mulia Sari-Wei Han Tan. Sindhu and Sikki Reddy then trounced Jia Ming Crystal Wong-Jia Min Yeo 21-8 21-14 to sweep the tie.