Sindhu and Shetty Advance as Lakshya Sen Exits Worlds

PV Sindhu and Ayush Shetty progressed to the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi on Wednesday, while Lakshya Sen suffered a surprise second-round exit after a hard-fought loss to USA’s Garret Tan.

Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu defeated Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang 21-16, 21-17 in women’s singles to reach the last 16. Ayush Shetty joined her in the pre-quarterfinals after a commanding 21-8, 21-10 victory over Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama. Sen, however, was beaten 21-19, 19-21, 17-21 in the men’s singles round of 32 despite taking the opening game.

The results kept several Indian challenges alive at the prestigious tournament, with Sindhu continuing her pursuit of a sixth world championship medal and Shetty setting up a difficult next assignment.

Sindhu and Shetty move into the last 16

Sindhu, the 2019 world champion and ninth seed, produced a straight-games win over Zhang. Her 21-16, 21-17 result sent her into the pre-quarterfinals, where she will face China’s third seed Wang Zhi Yi.

Shetty was equally decisive in his second-round match, brushing aside Abeywickrama 21-8, 21-10. The Indian will next face Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan.

India also had progress in doubles. Men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced after receiving a walkover in their opening match. The fifth-seeded pair had been given a first-round bye and were due to play Scotland’s Alexander Dunn and Adam Pringle in the second round. The Scottish pair withdrew after Dunn suffered a right ankle injury while playing mixed doubles earlier in the day.

In mixed doubles, Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila defeated Macau pair Leong Iok Chong and Ng Weng Chi 21-11, 21-11 to book their place in the pre-quarterfinals.

Tan overturns Sen’s opening-game lead

Sen, a bronze medallist at the 2021 World Championships, was tested throughout by Tan’s pace, attacking play and deception. Tan opened the first game with a 4-1 lead before the contest tightened, with the score moving from 5-5 to 18-18. Sen then found a way to take the game 21-19.

Tan responded strongly after the change of ends. He led 4-0 in the second game and retained control, although Sen rallied to 15-20 and saved four game points. Tan eventually closed out the game 21-19 to force a decider.

The American took charge early in the third game, building a 12-4 advantage. Sen fought back to narrow the gap to 15-17 after a long rally that ended with Tan falling awkwardly and taking a medical timeout after being hit on the head.

Tan returned to win the next points, including a jump smash for 18-16. Sen then served long before Tan struck a cross-court smash to earn four match points. Sen stayed in contention during a flurry of smashes, but slipped while moving towards a front-court shot in the next rally, allowing Tan to complete a notable 21-17 deciding-game win.

Sen said he had given everything physically but credited Tan for a solid performance. He added that he was disappointed by the result but would prepare for upcoming major tournaments.

Other Indian results in New Delhi

Unnati Hooda, making her debut at the tournament, exited women’s singles after losing 21-11, 9-21, 21-23 to Canada’s 12th seed Michelle Li. Hooda had won the opening game before Li forced a decider and edged the final game.

In men’s doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun were beaten 17-21, 14-21 by Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Ki Dong Ju.

Sindhu, Shetty, Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, plus Crasto and Kapila, now carry India’s challenge into the pre-quarterfinal stage of the BWF World Championships.