New Delhi: Ace shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu produced contrasting performances to advance to the second round of the India Open Super Series in the women’s singles event here on Wednesday.
Defending champion and world number six Saina easily overcame compatriot Tanvi Lad 21-7, 21-13 in a lop-sided first round contest that lasted 34 minutes, while Sindhu claimed a comfortable 21-8, 21-8 win over Italian rival Jeanine Cicognini at the Siri Fort stadium.
Also, qualifier Rituparna Das had an easy outing, beating compatriot Anura Prabhudesai 21-18, 21-15 to progress through to the second round.
On the other hand, defending champion Kidambi Srikanth faltered in the men’s singles opening game and lost 13-21, 21-17, 22-24 to All England finalist Chinese Tian Houwei in a grueling contest that lasted an hour and 23 minutes.
B Sai Praneeth and Ajay Jayaram also failed to cross the opening hurdle as Indian campaign in the men’s singles ended agonisingly in defeat. (ANI)