BWF China Masters 2023: Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth exit in opening round

None of the Indian shuttlers registered a win today.

The opening day (November 21st) saw India’s top ranked men’s shuttlers HS Prannoy and Satwik-Chirag progress through to pre-quarterfinals comfortably in men’s singles and doubles section respectively at BWF China Masters 2023. Asian Games bronze medallist HS Prannoy defeated Chou Tien Chen in a gruelling 60-minute encounter while former world no.1 Satwik-Chirag got the better of Ben Lane and Sean Vendy from England.

Youngster Priyanshu Rajawat started India’s proceedings on day 2 and lost the encounter. After a good start to the year where he won the Orleans Masters, the youngster has not had good time losing frequently in the opening rounds.

Former world junior silver medallist, Lakshya Sen, lost to home favourite Shi Yuqi in straight games (19-21, 18-21). After losing the opening game, Lakshya endured a worst start to the second game trailing behind (4-9). However, he stood firm and fought back to take 10 of the next 13 points and led for the first time in the game (14-12).

Shi Yuqi with crowd’s support tied the scoreline at 18-all and went on to score three straight points from here to clinch the match in straight games.

Later in the day, Kidambi Srikanth gave a tough fight to world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in an hour’s battle. Post a brief break from BWF World Tour, Srikanth couldn’t go past the opening round barrier. He had his moments, but unforced errors continued to flow leading to a three-game loss.

Towards the end of the day, Panda sisters – Rutuparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda — took on third seeds Shu Xian and Zheng Yu from China in women’s doubles. The Indians enjoyed a good start and held level till the opening mid-game interval. But with lack of experience, they were forced to commit mistakes in the second half and completely lost control. The following game was a one-sided affair as the Chinese took home the match with ease.

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BWF China Masters Day 2 Results

Men’s Singles Round of 32

• Lakshya Sen lost to Shi Yuqi (19-21, 18-21)
• Priyanshu Rajawat lost to Kenta Nishimoto (17-21, 14-21)
• Kidambi Srikanth lost to Kunlavut Vitidsarn (15-21, 21-14, 13-21)

Women’s Doubles Round of 32

• Swetaparna Panda/Rutuparna Panda lost to Shu Xian/Zheng Yu (15-21, 9-21)

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