Singapore Open: HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu advance to quarterfinals

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu won against World No. 59 Thuy Linh Nguyen of Vietnam 19-21, 21-19, 21-18 after a hard-fought three-set clash. Third seed PV Sindhu started strong in the opening game but fell behind due to several errors. She regained her composure after the break and equalized the game at 12-12 before gaining a 14-12 lead. However, Thuy Linh Nguyen maintained her composure to clinch the first game.

Losing the opening game did not have much impact on the mental fortitude of PV Sindhu. Both players exchanged point for point in the second game until Sindhu burst into action in the ending moments of the second game to win 21-19, sending the match into a decider.

PV Sindhu started the third game with strength and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game. Her Vietnamese opponent failed to offer much resistance, allowing the Indians to secure a comfortable victory. She will lock horns with Han Yue of China in a quarterfinal clash on July 15.

Ashmita Chaliha was knocked out of the tournament after a 9-21, 13-21 loss to Han Yue of China.

HS Prannoy booked a quarterfinal spot after securing a 14-21, 22-20, 21-18 victory over World No. 4 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. It was the second victory of HS Prannoy against his Taiwanese opponent. After one hour and eight minutes of play, the 29-year-old Indian bounced back from a set to down to secure his victory.

HS Prannoy is at the top of his form and has consistently given impressive performances. However, a title victory has evaded him for about five years. He will next face Kodai Naraoka of Japan as he continues the campaign to end his title drought.

In the other men’s singles match of the day, Mithun Manjunath failed to advance to the quarterfinals after a 10-21, 21-18, 16-21 loss to Nhat Nguyen of Ireland.

Saina Nehwal returns to her winning ways after victory over Malvika Bansod

Former World No. 1 ended her three-match losing streak with a straight-set victory over fellow Indian Malvika Bansod in the opening round of the Singapore Open on July 13.

Malvika Bansod played well in the opening game and went into the break with a two-point cushion. The 20-year-old Indian then pushed to a 16-18 lead, but Saina Nehwal put forth a brilliant display of excellent shotmaking to clinch five consecutive points to get a one-game advantage.

Two-time Commonwealth Gold medallist Saina Nehwal carried on with the winning momentum in the second game and raced to a 10-3 lead. Malvika Bansod tried to pull off a reversal, but Saina Nehwal secured a 21-18, 21-14 victory after 34 minutes of play.