Shuttlers Sai Praneeth, Prannoy cruise into US Open second round

California: After clinching the Canada Open title last weekend, ace Indian shuttler B Sai Praneeth continued his rich vein of form as he advanced to the second round of the men’s singles event here at the US Open Grand Prix Gold tournament on Wednesday.

The sixth-seeded Indian recorded a comfortable 21-13, 21-12 win over Swedish opponent Henri Hurskainen in the opening round contest that lasted for 29 minutes. He will next face Canada’s B.R. Sankeerth.

In another men’s singles match, fifth seed H.S. Prannoy thumped local favourite Calvin Linn 21-7, 21-6 in just 20 minutes to advance to the next round of the USD 120,000 tournament.

R.M.V. Gurusaidutt, Pratful Joshi and Anand Pawar were the other Indians who progressed through to the next round of the US Open men’s singles event.

However, Harsheel Dani made an early exit from the tournament after losing to Israel’s Misha Zilberman 21-18, 21-18 in the first round. (ANI)