Badminton
China Masters 2026: Kidambi Srikanth progresses to R16; Lakshya Sen exits
The mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also started with a win in the first round.
Kidambi Srikanth (Photo credit: Badminton Photo/BWF)
Former World No.1 Kidambi Srikanth registered a big win in the first round of the China Masters Super750 Tournament in Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old defeated world No. 21 Chi Yu Jen in straight games, 21-16, 21-15, to register his first win on the BWF World Tour since reaching the final of the US Open in June.
He still has a tougher road ahead as he will next take on the reigning world bronze medalist Victor Lai of Canada in the second round on Thursday.
Victor has booked his spot in the second round, knocking out another Indian shuttler, Lakshya Sen, in a comfortable straight-game win, 21- 14, 21- 17.
Lakshya's poor form continued as this was his fifth consecutive tournament where he failed to reach even the quarterfinals on the circuit, including the disappointing home World Championships.
On the other hand, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto outclassed the young Thai pair of Tonrug Saeheng and Tonkid Saeheng, 21-8, 21-9.
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