Sai Praneeth defeated Thailand's Suppanyu Avihingsanon 21-19, 23-21, 21-14 in a first round match of the China Open that lasted 72 minutes
Changzhou: In a tough encounter that lasted 72 minutes, Indian shuttler Sai Praneeth defeated Thailand's Suppanyu Avihingsanon 2-1 in the first-round match of the China Open here on Wednesday.
Praneeth claimed the first game 21-19 in a neck-and-neck fight. However, Suppanyu made a comeback in the second game and secured it 23-21.
Praneeth then clinched the decider 21-14 to win the match. With this victory, he proceeded to the second round of the tournament.
Earlier in the day, Saina Nehwal crashed out of the tournament after facing a 21-10, 21-17 defeat at the hands of Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in a first-round match. It was Nehal's second successive defeat to the Thai player.
Ever since her injuries, Saina Nehwal has not been seen in her top form. The Indian started her season with a win at Indonesia Open but failed to reach another final on the BWF circuit for the rest of the season.
Also read: China Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out after losing in first round
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