Japan Open 2023: HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth begin campaign on strong note in Super 750 tournament

India shuttlers got off to a strong start in the Japan Open Super 750 tournament in Tokyo on Tuesday, July 25. HS Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth clinched impressive victories while the women's doubles pair of Gayatri Gopichand and Jolly Treesa also moved to the second round.

The tournament, held at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Gymnasium, saw both Prannoy and Srikanth defeat higher-ranked opponents, marking a promising start to their campaign.

Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, currently ranked 20th, showcased his prowess by defeating world No. 8 Chou Tien-Chen



from Chinese Taipei. The match, which lasted 43 minutes, ended with a decisive 21-13, 21-13 victory for Srikanth. This marked his second win over Chou in their eight meetings.

HS Prannoy, the eighth seed and 10th in the badminton rankings, also made his mark by defeating world No. 7 and reigning All England champion Li Shi Feng of the Republic of China. The match, which spanned 49 minutes, was Prannoy's third consecutive win over the Chinese shuttler.

Srikanth and Prannoy are now set to face each other in the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF Super 750 tournament.