Srikanth Triumphs Over Wang Tzu Wei in Straight Games at Thailand Masters Badminton
Former World No. 1 Advances to Second Round with Convincing Victory
On Wednesday, Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated Taiwan's Wang Tzu Wei in straight games to begin his badminton career at the Thailand Masters.
After working hard for forty-five minutes, the former world No. 1 defeated Wang 22–20, 21–19, and advanced to the second round.
In a seesaw fight, Srikanth saved three game points to win the opening match 22–20. In the second game, which was more stable, both players tested the defenses of one another. But Srikanth's late-match surge gave him the win, 21-19.
He will face fellow countryman Mithun Manjunath, who triumphed over Jason Gunawan of Hong Kong 21-17, 21-8.
Additionally, S Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian began his campaign with a straight-game victory against Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao, winning 21-14 and 17-17.
Sameer Verma was eliminated in the first round after losing to Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong 14-21, 18-21, while Kiran George withdrew after losing 17-21 to Lei Lan Xi of China in his round of 32 match.
In the women's singles competition, Malvika Bansod and Ashmita Chaliha advanced to the second round with ease.
Malivika beat Peru's Ines Lucia Castillo Salazar 22-20, 21-8, while Ashmita defeated Malaysia's Wong Ling Ching 21-10, 21-16.
Busanan Ongbamrungphan, ranked 19th in the world, was a strong opponent for young prospect Samiya Imad Farooqui. Samiya gave it their best shot, but ultimately lost 14-21, 18-21.
Busanan, a celebrity in Thailand, will now square off against Malvika on Thursday in the second round of competition.
