Daijiworld Media Network - Ningbo
Ningbo, Apr 9: Young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty advanced to the men’s singles quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Championships with a commanding straight-game victory, while veteran PV Sindhu bowed out of the women’s singles event.
World No. 25 Ayush produced an impressive performance to defeat Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen 21-16, 21-12 in the pre-quarterfinals. The reigning US Open Super 300 champion dominated with his powerful smashes and sharp net play. He will next face third seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.
In contrast, it was a disappointing outing for the rest of the Indian contingent. Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu suffered a 18-21, 8-21 defeat against China’s Wang Zhiyi in the round of 16.
In men’s singles, HS Prannoy, returning from a shoulder injury, fought hard but went down 12-21, 19-21 to China’s Weng Hong Yang.
The mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also exited the tournament after losing 13-21, 14-21 to Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei.
Meanwhile, Unnati Hooda and the women’s doubles duo of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra are scheduled to play their matches later in the day.