Unnati falters against World no 12 Kim Ga-eun; Hari-Arjun retire
Unnati Hooda struggled to overcome Korean World No 12 Kim Ga-eun at the Super 750 China Masters, suffering a 0-4 start and ultimately losing 21-10, 21-18 in the opening set. World No 25 India struggled against the typically deceptive Ga-eun, who is known for her deceptive pace and strokes. Hooda managed to lead 15-14 in the second set after some fine aggressive smashes and attacking taps, but Kim's steady game quickly turned the tide, denying Unnati the opportunity to escalate further.
In the men's doubles, MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan retired while trailing 11-8 against Chinese duo Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi. Meanwhile, Loh Kean Yew defeated China's Shi Yuqi 21-11, 21-10. On Wednesday, Kidambi Srikanth will face Chinese Chirag Shetty, and Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto will take on Tonkid-Tonrug of South Korea.
Lakshya Sen begins against Victor Lai, while Devika Sihag faces Bulgarian Kaloyana Nalbantova. Tanvi Sharma, ranked just 1 behind Unnati, has a chance to defeat Danish Amali Schulz and move up to World No 2 for the Asian Games, potentially avenge the Uber Cup loss against the Dane with a 21-16 third set win. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will continue their partnership with a rejigged Malaysian duo of Junaidi Arif and Kang Khai Xing, a crucial matchup for India's chances in the Asiad team event.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
