Malaysia Masters Super 500: Srikanth gets first win vs Vitidsarn; Prannoy, Sindhu also reach QF

India’s top singles shuttlers PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy and Srikanth Kidambi on Thursday reached the quarterfinals at the Malaysia Masters Super 500 in Kuala Lumpur.

Sindhu defeated a familiar foe in Aya Ohori 21-16, 21-11 while Prannoy made it back-to-back comeback wins as he downed All England champion Li Shi Feng 13-21, 21-16, 21-11.

There was however disappointment for Lakshya Sen as he bowed out in straight games against Ng Ka Long Angus.

Former world No 1 Srikanth took on eighth seed Kinlavut Vitidsarn having never beaten the Thailand player in their previous three meetings. Srikanth started poorly falling 0-5 and 1-8 behind in the opening game. However, he kept chipping at Vitidsarn’s lead and soon made it 17-19 before going on a four-point run to close out the game.

“I didn’t really start well in both games so I’m just happy I finished it off,” said Srikanth later. “The last few tournaments I wasn’t able to do that. I gave away leads and when that happens, it’s always tough to catch up. Today was about being there and not giving out easy points.”

The second game followed a similar pattern with Vitidsarn quick off the blocks but Srikanth slowly making inroads into the game. The Indian trailed 13-18 at one point....

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