Kidambi Srikanth overcame a strong Chinese opponent in the form of Tian Houwei to enter the second round of men’s singles at the Japan Open Superseries in Tokyo today.
The eighth seeded Indian defeated the World No.10 Chinese 21-15, 12-21, 21-11. The World No.8 Indian will next face veteran Hu Yun of Hong Kong for a place in the quarterfinals.
Another Indian H.S. Prannoy also entered the second round defeating Anders Antonsen 21-12, 21-14.
Sameer Verma has also made it to the second round of Japan open Superseries Badminton tournament.
In his opening round of Men’s singles, he defeated Kosit Phetpradab in straight games 21-12, 21-19.
PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will also play in the women’s singles later in the day.
In mixed doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa also advanced to the second round as they beat Thai pair Tinn Isriyanet and Pacharapun Chochuwong 21-17, 21-13.
The Indian combine have a tough challenge ahead as they take on Indonesian fourth seeds Praveen Jordan and Debby Susanto next.
Meanwhile, it was the end of the road for Sourabh Verma and B. Sai Praneeth in their respective men’s singles openers.
While Chinese seventh seed and two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan beat Sourabh Verma 11-21, 21-15, 21-13, South Korean Lee Dong Keun beat B Sai Praneeth 21-23, 21-17, 21-14.
In Men’s doubles, the Indian pair of Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy lost to the duo of Lee Jhe Huei and Lee Yand 18-21, 15,21 in the first round of Japan open Superseries Badminton tournament.
