Press Trust of India
El Monte (US), July 6: Indian shuttlers made a resounding start to their campaign at the US Open with six men’s singles shuttlers, including Canada Open winner B Sai Praneeth, making it to the second round of the USD 120,000 Grand Prix Gold tournament here Tuesday.
Praneeth, who clinched his maiden Grand Prix title at Calgary last week, defeated Sweden’s Henri Hurskainen 21-13, 21-12 to set up a second round match against Canada’s BR Sankeerth. Praneeth displayed superior court craft against Hurskainen and built up a sizeable lead in both the games before romping home easily in 27 minutes.
Fifth seed HS Prannoy spanked USA’s Calvin Lin 21-7, 21-6 in a completely lop-sided contest and will now play Ireland’s Joshua Magee. Prannoy stunned his opponent with some powerful smashes and in both the games built up a 10-point lead before clinching the tie with consummate ease.
RMV Gurusaidutt too brushed aside local shuttler Phillips Jap 21-8, 21-13 in an encounter lasting 22 minutes. He will now face Japan’s Kazumasa Sakai in the second round. Young shuttler Pratul Joshi outclassed Canada’s Kevin Barkman 21-13, 21-13 in a 23-minute contest to set up a fight with Czech Milan Ludik. Experienced shuttler Anand Pawar mauled Denmark’s Peder Sovndal 21-7, 21-7 in 17 minutes and will meet Austria’s David Obernosterer.
Fourth seed Ajay Jayaram got a walkover from Denmark’s Joachim Persson, while Rio-bound K Srikanth skipped the event because of his Olympic preparations.
The only Indian to exit from the event was Harsheel Dani, who lost 18-21, 18-21 to Misha Zilberman of Israel.
