With top players like Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and South Korea’s Son Wan Ho withdrawing from the tournament in Nanjing, China, the major challenge that Srikanth will face in the later stages would be primarily from the 13th seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia once he crosses the second round
Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth began his BWF World Championships 2018 campaign with a win against Ireland's Nhat Nguyen on Tuesday (31 July).
The world number six recorded an easy 21-15, 21-16 victory in 37 minutes over his opponent, who is ranked 87 in the world.
With top players like Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia and South Korea’s Son Wan Ho withdrawing from the tournament in Nanjing, China, the major challenge that Srikanth will face in the later stages would be primarily from the 13th seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia once he crosses the second round.
India has an excellent squad at the World Championships. Saina Nehwal, the star shuttler will face, for the first time, Aliye Demirbag of Turkey in the second round.
If the world number 10 wins her second round tie, then she will next meet Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.
A win for Saina in the third round would set up a mouth-watering clash against Rio Olympics gold medallist Carolina Marin of Spain.
Also making a victorious start was India’s HS Prannoy. The 11th seed won in straight games 21-12, 21-11 against New Zealand's Abhinav Manota. His next opponent will be Brazilian Ygor Coelho in the second round.
The men's doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy, the mixed doubles combinations of Pranaav Jerry Chopra-N Sikki Reddy and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Ashwini Ponnappa also sailed into the second round.
Pranaav-Sikki pair beat Czech Republic’s Jakub Bitman and Alzbeta Basova 21-17 21-15 while Satwiksairaj-Ashwini duo got the better of Denmark’s Niclas Nohr and Sara Thygesen 21-9, 22-20. Manu and Sumeeth won over Daniel Nikolov and Ivan Rusev of Bulgaria 21-13, 21-18.
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