Singapore Open | PV Sindhu progresses to semis as Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth crash out

Kidambi Srikanth was against Momota and the odds were astronomically against the Indian. He lost the first game 18-21, and just when everyone thought this match would end the same way like the last nine matches, Srikanth pulled back the second game 21-19. But, it didn’t last for long as Momota won the deciding game 21-9.

Saina Nehwal opened the day with her big clash against Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara and in all honesty, the 29-year-old wasn’t the favourite approaching the match. She was always going to struggle against the World No. 2 and she did exactly as she went 21-8, 21-13 with her game characterized with numerous unforced errors.

PV Sindhu, on the other hand, almost made a mess of her easy fixture against China’s Cai Yanayan as after winning the first game very comfortably at 21-13, she was stunned in the second one that she lost 17-21. However, the World No.4 came back stronger in the decider winning it 21-14. She will be facing Okuhara next extending the number of legendary clashes that the duo has been involved in previously.

Like Saina, Sameer Verma also had a monumental task ahead of himself as he faced World No. 2 Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei. However, after facing a humiliating defeat in the first game 10-21, he did really well to win the second one 21-15. But forcing a decider wasn’t enough to rattle the Taiwanese as he won the third game 21-15.

In the doubles category, India’s only remaining mixed doubles duo Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy were humbled by Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai. 14-21, 16-21.