El Monte (US): Indian shuttlers made a resounding start to their campaign at the US Open with as many as six men’s singles shuttlers, including Canada Open winner B Sai Praneeth, made it to the second round of the USD 120,000 Grand Prix Gold tournament here.
Praneeth, who clinched his maiden Grand Prix title at Calgary last week, defeated Sweden’s Henri Hurskainen 21-13 21-12 to set up a second round match against Canada’s B R Sankeerth.
H S Prannoy spanked USA’s Calvin Lin 21-7 21-6 in a completely lop-sided contest and will now play Ireland’s Joshua Magee.
RMV Gurusaidutt too brushed aside local shuttler Phillips Jap 21-8 21-13 in another one-sided match and would be facing Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in the second round.
Young shuttler Pratul Joshi too outclassed Canada’s Kevin Barkman 21-13 21-13 in a 23-minute contest to set up a fight with Czech Milan Ludik. Experienced shuttler Anand Pawar mauled Denmark’s Peder Sovndal 21-7 21-7 in 17 minutes and will meet Austria’s David Obernosterer.
Ajay Jayaram got a walkover from Denmark’s Joachim Persson, while RSrikanth skipped the event because of Rio preparation.
The only Indian to exit from the event was Harsheel Dani, who lost 18-21 18-21 to Zilberman of Israel.
Among other Indians, Ruthvika Shivani Gadde will face Japan’s Ayumi Mine in the women singles on Thursday, while Tanvi Lad will be up against Guatemala’s Nikte Alejandra Sotomayor in the opening round. (PTI)
