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NEW DELHI: PV SindhuAn impressive revival continued at the China Open on Wednesday as the two-time Olympic medalist battled rising Indian teenager Unnati Hooda to book her place in the second round, while Ayush Shetty stole the limelight with a stunning upset of the world number one. 11 Alwi Farhan.Just days after ending a two-year title drought by winning the Japan Open, Sindhu showed determination and composure to see off a spirited challenge from 18-year-old Unnati 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a 56-minute women’s singles first-round clash at the BWF Super 1000 event.The win extended Sindhu’s winning streak as the former world champion continues to rediscover her best form ahead of the crucial part of the international season.
Sindhu survives Unnati’s spirited challenge
The first game was very tight, with Unnati taking point after point against Sindhu until 7-7. The experienced Indian then shifted gears, scoring five straight points to establish a commanding lead before comfortably closing out the game 21-14.The second match, however, belonged entirely to the teenager.After the scores were tied at 2-2, Unnati took a 6-3 lead, then reeled off six straight points for a huge 12-4 advantage. Sindhu struggled to find her rhythm as the girl remained in complete control, cruising to a dominant 21-9 victory to force a decisive win.The last match showed Sindhu’s experience. After a competitive start, the 30-year-old gradually took control, extending her lead from 6-3 to 10-5 and later 15-8 before sealing a convincing 21-10 win.Sindhu now faces a big second-round clash against fourth seed and home favorite Chen Yufei, whom she defeated in straight games during the semi-finals of the Japan Open last week. Chen, however, still holds a slim 8-7 lead over the Indian star.
Ayush Shetty’s scripts are very upset
While Sindhu progressed as expected, Ayush Shetty produced one of the biggest shocks in the opening round by knocking out Indonesia’s world number 11 and former world junior champion Alwi Farhan.Shetty bounced back from losing the first game to record a memorable 17-21, 21-5, 21-17 win in 57 minutes.The Indian showed incredible composure after falling behind early, completely dominating the second game before holding his nerve in a tense decider to claim one of the best wins of his career.The victory is another significant milestone for the promising youngster, who continues to make his mark against higher-ranked opponents on the BWF World Tour.
Mixed fortunes for India
India’s campaign ended for a couple of pairs though.Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun suffered a 16-21, 7-21 loss to the Chinese duo of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in the men’s doubles.In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani lost 9-21, 16-21 to top seeds Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping, while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto lost 18-21, 18-21 to fifth seeded Chinese pair Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui.
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