Malaysia Masters Super 500: Srikanth, Sindhu enter round of 16 with contrasting wins

While Srikanth came through in straight games, Sindhu was taken the distance by Denmark’s Christophersen.

May 24, 2023 - 16:30

Malaysia Masters Super 500: Srikanth, Sindhu enter round of 16 with contrasting wins

PV Sindhu and Srikanth Kidambi came through tricky opening round fixtures in contrasting fashion on Wednesday at the Malaysia Masters Super 500 in Kuala Lumpur.

While Srikanth came through in straight games 21-12, 21-16 against Toma Junior Popov of France, Sindhu was taken to the distance by Denmark’s Line Christophersen 21-13, 17-21, 21-18 in a gruelling affair.

Earlier in the day, Aakarshi Kashyap bowed out in the first round to top seed Akane Yamaguchi. The Japanese shuttler won 21-17, 21-12. And shortly after, Ashmita Chaliha went down in straight games against fourth seed Han Yue of China, 21-17, 21-7.

Smooth sailing for Srikanth, anything but for Sindhu

Srikanth started off well in the opening game against the tall Frenchman who has troubled him in the past (2-1 head-to-head). But it was the Indian who took charge in the early proceedings and kept Popov at bay for most of the opening game. The second game saw Popov take momentum at the mid-way interval but Srikanth came back well to close it out in straight games.

Srikanth is in the top quarter of the draw where Viktor Axelsen has withdrawn. He will take on India Open champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the second round.

For Sindhu, the start was solid enough as...