Badminton World Championships LIVE: Srikanth wins, Praneeth in action - Scores, Updates, Live Blog
Kidambi Srikanth, Sai Praneeth are among 6 Indians in action on the opening day of the BWF World Championships.
Kidambi Srikanth is the first seed in the Men's Singles category
India's 25-member contingent begins its campaign on the opening day of the BWF World Badminton Championships on Sunday in Huelva, Spain. Men's singles hopes Kidambi Srikanth and Sai Praneeth will be in action.
Praneeth, who medalled in 2019, will be facing Dutch Mark Caljouw in the opener who dumped him out of the Olympics. Srikanth will be up against home player Pablo Abian, but is favourite to win and run into China's Li Shifeng in the next round. Lakshya Sen has received a walkover in his first-round match. Men's doubles pair Sumeeth R - Manu Attri and women's doubles pair Pooja D - Sanjana S will also be in action on Sunday.
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Inspite of having good lead after mid game interval in third game, Sai Praneeth could not keep the momentum up and allowed Caljouw to close the gap and lead at crucial stages. Sai Pranneth did not controlled on to his nerves after18-18 and meekly surrendered and lost next three points, Sai Praneeth lost 21-17, 7-21, 18-21.
Sai Praneeth had lead of 6 points in decider game with 14-8, up, He looses next 5 straight points to allow Mark Caljouw to close the gap. The match has reached very crucial stage now.
Sai Pranneth showed much improved pace and eagerness in third game compared to second game, Mark Caljouw is struggling with movements and lacking in stamina, as the commentator mentioned he recently had heart surgery which may be affecting his stamina.
It was one way traffic after mid game interval for Mark who wins second game easily 21-7, he showed no mercy towards his opponent, Sai Praneeth need to not just lift shuttle but also his game to much higher level to appear fighting with superbly fit looking Mark Caljouw.
Mark has got 7-point advantage over Sai Praneeth. The indian fans are reminded that Mark Caljouw group stage win over Sai Praneeth in Tokyo Olympics was not fluke. Mark is litterally everywhere in court, retreving everything that Sai Praneeth pushes towards him.
Sai Pranneth lifted his game higher after mid-game intervel and always maintained cushion of 2-3 points leads, Mark was always seen catching up, few close line calls also.
World Championships bronze medalist from previous edition Sai Praneeth has slender 2 point lead at mid game intervel
Sai Praneeth is struggling agaisnt Mark who wins 5 straight points from 3-8 down, Then Sai Praneeth wins next 4 points to lead 9-8
Srikanth seals the deal, wins the match 21-12, 21-16, to sail into the Round of 32. Up next, Sai Praneeth is in action in the last match of the day.
A more spirited start to the second game by the Spaniard, but a series of 5 straight points gets Srikanth back in the front. Srikanth seals the deal with another attacking point. Leads by 11-7 at the interval in the second game.
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