New Delhi: Sindhu OptoelectronicsThe two-time Olympic medalist continued her strong resurgence at the China Open on Wednesday, beating rising Indian star Unnati Hooda to reach the second round, while Ayush Shetty stole the show with a stunning upset victory over world number one Ayush Shetty. 11 Arvi Farhan.Days after winning the Japan Open and ending a two-year title drought, Sindhu showed courage and composure in the 56-minute women’s singles first round of the BWF Super 1000 event, defeating a fierce challenge from 18-year-old Unnati 21-14, 9-21, 21-10.The victory continued Sindhu’s winning streak as the former world champion continues to rediscover her best form during a crucial period of the international season.
Xindu survives fierce challenge from Unati
The two sides competed fiercely in the first game, with Unati and Sindhu tied one by one until 7-7. The experienced Indian then changed his attitude and scored five consecutive points to establish an absolute lead, and finally ended the game easily 21-14.The second game, however, belonged entirely to the teenager.After the score was tied at 2-2, Unati led 6-3 and then scored 6 points in a row to gain a huge advantage of 12-4. Xindu struggled to find his rhythm, but the youngster maintained complete control and eventually dominated 21-9 to force a decider.The last game showed Sindhu’s experience. After a fiery start, the 30-year-old gradually took control, extending his lead from 6-3 to 10-5 and later to 15-8 before claiming a convincing 21-10 victory.Xindu now faces a sensational second-round match against fourth-seeded local favorite Chen Yufei, whom she beat in straight sets in last week’s Japan Open semifinals. However, Chen still narrowly defeated the Indian star 8-7 in the head-to-head clash.
Ayush Shetty has written the script of Major Uneasy
Although Sindu progressed as expected, Ayush Shetty knocked out Indonesian world No. 11 and former world youth champion Alvi Farhan in one of the biggest shocks in the first round.Shetty bounced back from a first-set defeat to claim a memorable victory 17-21, 21-5, 21-17 in 57 minutes.The Indian showed remarkable composure after falling behind early to completely dominate the second set, and then maintained his composure in the tense decider to complete one of the finest wins of his career.The win is another important milestone for the promising youngster, who will continue to make his mark on the BWF World Tour against higher-ranked opponents.
India’s mixed fortunes
However, India’s match ended with a couple of doubles players.In the men’s doubles competition, Hariharan Amsakarunan/MR Arjun lost to the Chinese combination Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang 16-21, 7-21.In the mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor/Gad Rusvika Shivani lost to the top seeds Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping 9-21, 16-21, while Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Krasto lost to the Chinese fifth seed combination Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui 18-21, 18-21.
