Barcelona Spain Masters: Saina and Sameer Verma progress into quarters, Kidambi Srikanth crash out
It was a mixed day for Indian shuttlers as Saina Nehwal and Sameer Verma moved into the quarterfinals of the Super 300 Spain Masters played at Barcelona
on Thursday.
In all India second round match, Kidambi Srikanth lost to
Ajay Jayaram in two straight sets by 6-21, 17-21 to be knocked out. Srikanth
could not match and struggled right from word go and made lot of mistakes in
the first game losing it by 6-21. In the second game, Srikanth fared much better
but Jayaram showed his composure to win the match at 21-17. Ajay Jayaram will
face T Rouxel of France in the quarterfinals. It is a massive dent for Srikanth
chances to qualify for the Olympics.
Saina Nehwal had no problems of defeating Ukraine M Ulitina
in two straight sets by 21-10, 21-19 to move into the quarterfinals. The Indian
played with aggression and never allowed her opponent a chance in the first game.
In the second game, Ukraine opponent gave a stiff fight, but Saina held her
nerves to win 2nd game at 21-19. She will take on Ongbamrungphan of
Thailand.
The mixed doubles pair of Pranav Chopra and Sikki Reddy went
down fighting to number 1 seed Goh S H and SJ Lai of Malaysia in three sets by
16-21, 21-17, 11-21 to be knocked out. Pranav Chopra and Sikki Reddy struggled during
the first game losing it easily at 16-21. In the second game, the Indian pair
fought back strongly to level the tie at 1-1. Malaysian pair showed their class
in the deciding game and won it easily at 21-11.
The women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy
was given a bye in the first round. They will take on Stoeva Sisters in the 2nd
round.
Sameer Verma defeated Germany Kai Schafer in three sets by
21-14, 16-21, 21-15 to move into the quarterfinals. He will face the winner of
Kunlavut Vitisdarn of Thailand or Ireland’s, Nhat Nguyen.
 |
| Saina Nehwal move into the quarterfinals of Spain Masters 2020 |
Comments