China Masters 2023: HS Prannoy, Satwik-Chirag through to quarterfinals

Only two Indians/pair progressed through to quarters.

Day 3 of BWF China Masters 2023 turned out to be fruitful for India as HS Prannoy and Satwik-Chirag notched up comfortable round of 16 wins in men’s singles and doubles categories respectively. The former defeated Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen in straight games (21-12, 21-18) while former world no.1 pair got the better of Akira Koga-Taichi Saito (21-15, 21-16).

The doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty started India’s proceedings on a fine note. After a tight start (9-9), the Indians stepped up to take a slender lead at the mid-game interval. The momentum just before the break went in India’s favour as the Asian champions raced away the opening game with ease.

Japanese duo on the other hand had to fight back to stay in the competition. However, they lost flurry of points in the first part of the second game and were trailing by (7-13). Things changed here, as the duo fought back to win four consecutive points and reduced deficit to just two points. With experience, the Indians did not allow their opponents to take over completely and struck points at crucial junctures.

In the end, the top seeds progressed to the quarterfinals. A title title win here might again earn them back their world no.1 spot but a spot at the BWF World Tour Finals looks out of reach.

Later in the day, HS Prannoy, had an easy outing by defeating Magnus Johannesen. The top ranked Indian looked invincible in the opening game but Magnus did not allow the eighth seed to completely take over the proceedings. After the opening game the Danish shuttler enjoyed a sizeable lead in the second game at the mid-game interval.

Prannoy then made a quick comeback to wrap up the encounter. Next up, he is set to face third seed Kodai Naraoka for a place in the semifinals while Satwik-Chirag are scheduled to battle out against Marthin/Carnando.

India’s performance on day 3 of BWF China Masters 2023

Men’s Singles Round of 16

• HS Prannoy beat Magnus Johannesen (21-12, 21-18)

Men’s Doubles Round of 16

• Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty beat Akira Koga/Taichi Saito (21-15, 21-16)

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