There is some good news for Indians as star badminton players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth have all advanced to the 2nd round of Japan Open Super Series in Tokyo on Wednesday. The winner of Korea Open, PV Sindhu had to dig deep before prevailing 12-21, 21-15, 21-17 in an hour and four minutes against local player Minatsu Mitani at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. The win sets up another epic clash between Sindhu and reigning World Champion Nozomi Okuhara. Both of them have had some exciting matches in the past, with the record currently even at 4-all.
Earlier in the day, Saina Nehwal defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong in straight sets 21-17, 21-9 to advance to the next round. After her impressive show at the World Badminton Championships, Saina seems to be back in confidence and will look to win a medal this time as well. But her next match will not be an easy one as she will up against old nemesis and reigning Olympic champion, Carolina Marin.
As far as the men’s singles are concerned, Kidambi Srikanth also did not disappoint and defeated Chinese Tian Houwet 21-15, 12-21, 21-11 to advance to the 2nd round. Srikanth must have been delighted at the win since its only his second win against Houwei in eight clashes.