PV Sindhu and Srikanth Kidambi star in a disappointing day for India at the Madrid Masters

Indian ace shuttler PV Sindhu continues her run in the Madrid Masters as she progresses to the women’s singles quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Srikanth Kidambi also won his clash and prorgessed to the last eight.

Sindhu, who recently got dropped out of the top 10 World Rankings for the first time since 2016 defeated Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia to reach the last eight in women’s singles. This run in Madrid Masters will give her the confidence that she requires to make a strong comeback. She has been struggling ever since her return from injury and hence a a couple of wins under her belt may surely boost her morale and help her in getting that rhythm back.

The two time Olympic medallist got the better of Putri Kusuma Wardani 21-16 21-14 in a match that lasted little over 30 minutes. She has now reached the quarterfinals, her first in 2023.

Sindhu who will probably be a little nervous entering her first quarterfinals this year, will take on Danish Mia Blichfeldt in the last eight clash of the Super 300 tournament.

On the other hand, Srikanth defeated compatriot Sai Praneeth in the second round to progress through to the Madrid Masters men’s singles semifinals. The former World No.1 smashed Sai Praneeth 21-15 21-12 and will now enter the last eight in the Men’s singles category.

Srikanth, who is the fifth seed in this tournament will take on the top seed, Japan’s Kento Nishimoto in the last eight clash. While Srikanth is playing well and fancy his chances, it will be a sensational win if he manages pull off.

Among other Indian shuttlers, Kiran George and Priyanshu Rajawat bowed out of the tournament after losing to Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen and France’s Toma Junior Popov. Both the Indians lost out in straight games.
Later Sameer Verma also got eliminated after losing to Japan’s Kanta Tsunneyama 21-15, 21-14.

In Women’s Singles, Malvika Bansod had to withdrawal due to a injury concern as she handed a walkover to Carolina Marin. Aakarshi Kashya also bowed out after losing to Japan’s natsuki Nidaira 21-13, 21-8. Ashmita Chaliha, who was also looking good lost out against Singapore’s Yeo Jia Min 21-15, 21-15.

In doubles, Arathi Sunil and Sikki Reddy were eliminated by Japanese duo of Rui Hirokami and Yuna Kato. Whereas men’s doubles duo MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila also faced the same fate against Shuntaro Mezaki and Haruya Nishida 21-16, 22-20, ending a very disappointing day for India.