Lakshya Sen defeated Zhao Jun Peng in a thriller on Friday to cruise into the semi-finals of the ongoing BWF World Championships in Huelva. Battling at court 2, the Indian went past the Chinese shuttler by 21-15, 15-21, 22-20 in a titanic one hour and seven minutes clash.

With this win, the 20-year-old confirmed India's second medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships and his first medal at the Worlds.

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Sen will now clash with Srikanth Kidambi for a place in the final. This means India will return with at least one silver medal from Spain.

Trailing at the first break, the Indian world No. 19 absolutely dominated after the restart and exhibited some impressive court presence to go a game up against the Chinese shuttler.

Chinese world No. 42 then stepped up his game and came out all guns blazing in the second game. Zhao Jun Peng found a way to curb Sen`s offensive shots and forced a decider.

The third game was all but one-sided as the shuttle kept changing the racquet of both players. Although, Zhao Jun Peng had the 11-8 lead against the Indian at the midgame break but Lakshya clawed his way back to level the final game 11-11.

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With the game at 19-20, the Indian saved a match point and proceeded to win the match by holding his nerves. Earlier, Kidambi Srikanth defeated Mark Caljouw to cruise into the semi-finals of the Championships.

Former world number one Indian thrashed the Dutch shuttler by 21-8, 21-7 in a contest that lasted for just 26 minutes.&nbsp;

Lakshya Sen defeated Zhao Jun Peng in a thriller on Friday to cruise into the semi-finals of the ongoing BWF World Championships in Huelva. Battling at court 2, the Indian went past the Chinese shuttler by 21-15, 15-21, 22-20 in a titanic one hour and seven minutes clash.

Lakshya Sen defeated Zhao Jun Peng in a thriller on Friday to cruise into the semi-finals of the ongoing BWF World Championships in Huelva. Battling at court 2, the Indian went past the Chinese shuttler by 21-15, 15-21, 22-20 in a titanic one hour and seven minutes clash. With this win, the 20-year-old confirmed India's second medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships and his first medal at the Worlds. ALSO READ: BWF World C'ships: Defending champion PV Sindhu goes down to Tai Tzu Ying in straight sets in QFs Sen will now clash with Srikanth Kidambi for a place in the final. This means India will return with at least one silver medal from Spain. Trailing at the first break, the Indian world No. 19 absolutely dominated after the restart and exhibited some impressive court presence to go a game up against the Chinese shuttler. Chinese world No. 42 then stepped up his game and came out all guns blazing in the second game. Zhao Jun Peng found a way to curb Sen`s offensive shots and forced a decider. The third game was all but one-sided as the shuttle kept changing the racquet of both players. Although, Zhao Jun Peng had the 11-8 lead against the Indian at the midgame break but Lakshya clawed his way back to level the final game 11-11. ALSO READ: Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, silver medallist Tai Tzu Ying named badminton players of the year by BWF With the game at 19-20, the Indian saved a match point and proceeded to win the match by holding his nerves. Earlier, Kidambi Srikanth defeated Mark Caljouw to cruise into the semi-finals of the Championships. Former world number one Indian thrashed the Dutch shuttler by 21-8, 21-7 in a contest that lasted for just 26 minutes.

BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth win in quarters, set up all-Indian semi-final

Top Indian shuttlers P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth registered straight-game victories to make impressive starts to their respective women's and men's singles campaigns at the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals here on Wednesday.

Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, saw off Denmark's Line Christophersen 21-14 21-16 in a lop-sided Group A contest after former world number 1 Srikanth beat France's Toma Junior Popov 21-14 21-16 in 42 minutes in his opening match of group B.

The reigning world champion, the only Indian to win the year-ending tournament in 2018, will meet Germany's Yvonne Li next.

Srikanth, who had reached the knockout stage of the 2014 edition, will next face Thailand's three-time junior world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn.

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The women's doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy, however, lost 14-21 18-21 to the second-seeded Japanese combination of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida in their opening group B match.

Sindhu looked in great control as she opened up a 5-2 lead and though Line made it 7-6, the Indian quickly reeled off 10 straight points to march to 16-8 and seal the opening game comfortably.

After the change of sides, Line put up a slightly better show as she led briefly at 4-2 before Sindhu grabbed a slender 11-10 advantage at the interval. After resumption, Sindhu zoomed to 17-13, and soon, shut the door on her opponent.

Srikanth also displayed a compact game. He was alert and agile on the court and found points with his attacks against the world number 33 Frenchman.

The opening game was a tight affair in the initial part with the duo fighting tooth and nail.

Srikanth managed to eke out a slender 11-9 lead at the break and then came out with five straight points to move ahead to 16-10 and soon closed out the game.

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In the second game, Srikanth lagged 1-4 initially but he soon recovered to once again grab a two-point advantage at the interval.

Just like the first game, he made his way to a healthy 14-9 lead before moving to 19-14. A long shot from his opponent gave Srikanth four match points and he sealed it with some superb net play.&nbsp;

Top Indian shuttlers P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth registered straight-game victories to make impressive starts to their respective women's and men's singles campaigns at the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals here on Wednesday.

Top Indian shuttlers P V Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth registered straight-game victories to make impressive starts to their respective women's and men's singles campaigns at the season-ending BWF World Tour Finals here on Wednesday. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, saw off Denmark's Line Christophersen 21-14 21-16 in a lop-sided Group A contest after former world number 1 Srikanth beat France's Toma Junior Popov 21-14 21-16 in 42 minutes in his opening match of group B. The reigning world champion, the only Indian to win the year-ending tournament in 2018, will meet Germany's Yvonne Li next. Srikanth, who had reached the knockout stage of the 2014 edition, will next face Thailand's three-time junior world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn. ALSO READ: PV Sindhu loses to Rotchanok Inatanon in semi-final, crashes out of Indonesia Open The women's doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy, however, lost 14-21 18-21 to the second-seeded Japanese combination of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida in their opening group B match. Sindhu looked in great control as she opened up a 5-2 lead and though Line made it 7-6, the Indian quickly reeled off 10 straight points to march to 16-8 and seal the opening game comfortably. After the change of sides, Line put up a slightly better show as she led briefly at 4-2 before Sindhu grabbed a slender 11-10 advantage at the interval. After resumption, Sindhu zoomed to 17-13, and soon, shut the door on her opponent. Srikanth also displayed a compact game. He was alert and agile on the court and found points with his attacks against the world number 33 Frenchman. The opening game was a tight affair in the initial part with the duo fighting tooth and nail. Srikanth managed to eke out a slender 11-9 lead at the break and then came out with five straight points to move ahead to 16-10 and soon closed out the game. ALSO READ: PV Sindhu set to contest BWF Athletes' Commission election in December In the second game, Srikanth lagged 1-4 initially but he soon recovered to once again grab a two-point advantage at the interval. Just like the first game, he made his way to a healthy 14-9 lead before moving to 19-14. A long shot from his opponent gave Srikanth four match points and he sealed it with some superb net play.

BWF World Tour Finals: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth move to second round, Ashwini-Sikki bow out

India's two-time Olympic medal-winning shuttler P V Sindhu came back from a game down to beat South Korea's Sim Yujin and enter the semifinals of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 tournament here on Friday.

Third seed Sindhu, the reigning world champion, had to toil hard to get the better of Yujin 14-21 21-19 21-14 in the quarterfinal that lasted an hour and six minutes.

The Indian will now play the winner of the other quarterfinal between Japan's Asuka Takahashi and second seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the USD 850,000 event.

The other India in fray, B Sai Praneeth will play Olympic champion and former world No.1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the men's singles quarterfinals later in the day.

Praneeth, world no.16, staved off a spirited fight from France's world no 70 Christo Popov, claiming a 21-17 14-21 21-19 win in a gruelling second round match on Thursday.

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India's challenge also exists in the men's doubles event where the sixth seeded pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ranked 11, will square off against the Malaysian combination of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in the quarterfinals later on Friday.

It was not smooth sailing from Sindhu against Yujin. The Indian started confidently racing to a 7-1 lead before the Japanese pocketed six straight points to draw the first game level.

But once Yujin took a slender 11-10 lead at the break, she didn't look back and won the game comfortably to grab the early momentum.

The Japanese continued in the same vein in the second game and matched Sindhu stroke for stroke till the first seven points before the Indian upped her game.

Sindhu displayed better control and authority over her strokes and engaged her rival in long rallies to surge ahead 14-8 before Yujin fought back.

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Sindhu used her vast experience and held her nerves to draw the contest level.

In the decider, Sindhu enjoyed the early exchanges to race to a comfortable 11-4 lead but the Japanese secured seven consecutive points to make it 11-11.

Sensing trouble, Sindhu took her game to the next level just at the right time to outwit her rival and seal the match in her favour.&nbsp;

India's two-time Olympic medal-winning shuttler P V Sindhu came back from a game down to beat South Korea's Sim Yujin and enter the semifinals of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 tournament here on Friday.

India's two-time Olympic medal-winning shuttler P V Sindhu came back from a game down to beat South Korea's Sim Yujin and enter the semifinals of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 tournament here on Friday. Third seed Sindhu, the reigning world champion, had to toil hard to get the better of Yujin 14-21 21-19 21-14 in the quarterfinal that lasted an hour and six minutes. The Indian will now play the winner of the other quarterfinal between Japan's Asuka Takahashi and second seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the USD 850,000 event. The other India in fray, B Sai Praneeth will play Olympic champion and former world No.1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the men's singles quarterfinals later in the day. Praneeth, world no.16, staved off a spirited fight from France's world no 70 Christo Popov, claiming a 21-17 14-21 21-19 win in a gruelling second round match on Thursday. ALSO READ: Indonesia Open: PV Sindhu sails into quarters after beating Germany's Yvonne Li in straight sets India's challenge also exists in the men's doubles event where the sixth seeded pairing of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ranked 11, will square off against the Malaysian combination of Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in the quarterfinals later on Friday. It was not smooth sailing from Sindhu against Yujin. The Indian started confidently racing to a 7-1 lead before the Japanese pocketed six straight points to draw the first game level. But once Yujin took a slender 11-10 lead at the break, she didn't look back and won the game comfortably to grab the early momentum. The Japanese continued in the same vein in the second game and matched Sindhu stroke for stroke till the first seven points before the Indian upped her game. Sindhu displayed better control and authority over her strokes and engaged her rival in long rallies to surge ahead 14-8 before Yujin fought back. ALSO READ: PV Sindhu set to contest BWF Athletes' Commission election in December Sindhu used her vast experience and held her nerves to draw the contest level. In the decider, Sindhu enjoyed the early exchanges to race to a comfortable 11-4 lead but the Japanese secured seven consecutive points to make it 11-11. Sensing trouble, Sindhu took her game to the next level just at the right time to outwit her rival and seal the match in her favour.

Indonesia Open: PV Sindhu survives scare to beat South Korea's Sim Yujin, enters semis

Kidambi Srikanth reigned supreme in an all-Indian last-8 battle as he defeated HS Prannoy in straight sets to book a semi-final berth in the Indonesia Masters 2021 here in Bali on Friday.

Playing on Court 2, former world number one Kidambi beat the 2014 Indonesia Masters champion Prannoy by 21-7, 21-18 in a 39-minute encounter.

After being completely outplayed in the first set Prannoy tried to rally back in the second but Kidambi held his nerves better to deny any chance for his fellow countryman to take the match in the decider.

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Kidambi will now take on either Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand or third-seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark in the semi-final.

Earlier in the day, the two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the semi-finals after crushing Turkey`s Neslihan Yigit 21-13, 21-10 in a 35-minute encounter.&nbsp;

Kidambi Srikanth reigned supreme in an all-Indian last-8 battle as he defeated HS Prannoy in straight sets to book a semi-final berth in the Indonesia Masters 2021 here in Bali on Friday.

Kidambi Srikanth reigned supreme in an all-Indian last-8 battle as he defeated HS Prannoy in straight sets to book a semi-final berth in the Indonesia Masters 2021 here in Bali on Friday. Playing on Court 2, former world number one Kidambi beat the 2014 Indonesia Masters champion Prannoy by 21-7, 21-18 in a 39-minute encounter. After being completely outplayed in the first set Prannoy tried to rally back in the second but Kidambi held his nerves better to deny any chance for his fellow countryman to take the match in the decider. ALSO READ: Indonesia Masters: PV Sindhu storms into semis, sets up clash with Japan's Akane Yamaguchi Kidambi will now take on either Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand or third-seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark in the semi-final. Earlier in the day, the two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu stormed into the semi-finals after crushing Turkey`s Neslihan Yigit 21-13, 21-10 in a 35-minute encounter.

Indonesia Masters: Kidambi Srikanth defeats HS Prannoy to qualify for semis

Ace Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Indonesia Masters badminton tournament after registering hard-fought victories in their respective events, here on Thursday. 
 
Pulling the biggest upset of the day, the 2014 Indonesia Masters winner Prannoy beat Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Viktor Axelsen of Denmark 14-21, 21-19, 21-16 in an intense one hour 11 minutes men's singles second round match. 
 
Down and out in the first game, the Indian shuttler made a stunning comeback to defeat the World no 2. It was Prannoy`s first victory in six attempts against Axelsen. He will now face compatriot and former world No 1 Kidambi Srikanth in the quarterfinals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indonesia-masters-kidambi-srikanth-storms-into-quarters-after-thumping-win-430244">Indonesia Masters: Kidambi Srikanth storms into quarters after thumping win</a> 
 
Former World no.1 Srikanth also came from a game down to beat 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 in the men`s singles second round fixture, which lasted for one hour and two minutes. 
 
Earlier in the day, reigning world champion Sindhu reached the women's singles quarter-finals after beating Spain's Clara Azurmendi in three sets. 
 
The 26-year-old lost the first game but powered back to win the next two to beat Azurmendi 17-21, 21-7, 21-12 in a 47-minute encounter. Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist, will now take on Turkey's Neslihan Yigit for a place in the semis. 
 
Meanwhile, promising youngster Lakshya Sen was knocked out of the Indonesia Masters after losing 13-21 19-21 to the top seed and two-time world champion Kento Momota of Japan in a 46-minute clash.

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In the mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and N Sikki Reddy also bowed out after losing 15-21, 23-21, 18-21 to Thai team Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran. The Indian pair had beaten second seeds and home favourites Praveen Jordan and Melati Oktavianti in the previous round but could not sustain that winning run despite a tough fight. 
 
N Sikki Reddy also bowed out of the women`s doubles alongside two-time Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa as the pair went down 18-21, 12-21 to Thai third seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Ace Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Indonesia Masters badminton tournament after registering hard-fought victories in their respective events, here on Thursday.

Ace Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021 Indonesia Masters badminton tournament after registering hard-fought victories in their respective events, here on Thursday. Pulling the biggest upset of the day, the 2014 Indonesia Masters winner Prannoy beat Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Viktor Axelsen of Denmark 14-21, 21-19, 21-16 in an intense one hour 11 minutes men's singles second round match. Down and out in the first game, the Indian shuttler made a stunning comeback to defeat the World no 2. It was Prannoy`s first victory in six attempts against Axelsen. He will now face compatriot and former world No 1 Kidambi Srikanth in the quarterfinals. ALSO READ: Indonesia Masters: Kidambi Srikanth storms into quarters after thumping win Former World no.1 Srikanth also came from a game down to beat 2018 Asian Games gold medallist Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 in the men`s singles second round fixture, which lasted for one hour and two minutes. Earlier in the day, reigning world champion Sindhu reached the women's singles quarter-finals after beating Spain's Clara Azurmendi in three sets. The 26-year-old lost the first game but powered back to win the next two to beat Azurmendi 17-21, 21-7, 21-12 in a 47-minute encounter. Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist, will now take on Turkey's Neslihan Yigit for a place in the semis. Meanwhile, promising youngster Lakshya Sen was knocked out of the Indonesia Masters after losing 13-21 19-21 to the top seed and two-time world champion Kento Momota of Japan in a 46-minute clash. IN PICS: From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 In the mixed doubles, Dhruv Kapila and N Sikki Reddy also bowed out after losing 15-21, 23-21, 18-21 to Thai team Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran. The Indian pair had beaten second seeds and home favourites Praveen Jordan and Melati Oktavianti in the previous round but could not sustain that winning run despite a tough fight. N Sikki Reddy also bowed out of the women`s doubles alongside two-time Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa as the pair went down 18-21, 12-21 to Thai third seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

Indonesia Masters: HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu advance to quarterfinals, Lakshya Sen bows out

India shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stormed into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Indonesia Masters on Thursday.

Playing on Court 1, Srikanth defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 and secured his place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The Indian shuttler went down in the first game, but he was able to rise to the occasion in the next two games, and as a result, he ended up winning the contest.

Earlier, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu outclassed Spain's Clara Azurmendi 17-21, 21-7, 21-12 and entered the quarter-finals.

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Lakshya Sen bowed out of the ongoing tournament after losing against Kento Momota 13-21, 19-21.

The pair of Dhruv Kapila and N Sikki Reddy also bowed out of the Indonesia Master after losing against Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran.&nbsp;

India shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stormed into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Indonesia Masters on Thursday. Playing on Court 1, Srikanth defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 and secured his place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

India shuttler Kidambi Srikanth stormed into the quarter-finals of the ongoing Indonesia Masters on Thursday. Playing on Court 1, Srikanth defeated Indonesia's Jonatan Christie 13-21, 21-18, 21-15 and secured his place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The Indian shuttler went down in the first game, but he was able to rise to the occasion in the next two games, and as a result, he ended up winning the contest. Earlier, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu outclassed Spain's Clara Azurmendi 17-21, 21-7, 21-12 and entered the quarter-finals. IN PICS: From Neeraj Chopra to Mithali Raj: List of athletes who won Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in 2021 Lakshya Sen bowed out of the ongoing tournament after losing against Kento Momota 13-21, 19-21. The pair of Dhruv Kapila and N Sikki Reddy also bowed out of the Indonesia Master after losing against Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran.

Indonesia Masters: Kidambi Srikanth storms into quarters after thumping win

Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth showed great determination to outwit NG Ka Long Angus in a hard fought match and cruise into the semifinal of the Hylo Open Super 500 badminton here on Friday.

The sixth seed Srikanth subdued the higher ranked Hong Kong shuttler 21-11 12-21 21-19 in a men's singles quarterfinal that lasted one hour four minutes.

Srikanth, ranked 15, hardly broke a sweat in the first game, taking a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-next-generation-a-long-way-behind-saina-nehwal-pv-sindhu-feels-prakash-padukone-422119">India's next generation a long way behind Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, feels Prakash Padukone</a>

However, Indian lost momentum in the second game as the world no nine Angus levelled the proceedings.

Both players dominated a game each but the decider was fought on an even keel.

In the end, Srikanth had five match points to seal the deal but the former world no one squandered four before eking out a narrow win.

With the win Srikanth levelled the head to head record against Angus. Both shuttlers now have three wins each against each other.

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Srikanth will take on Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the semifinals.

Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth showed great determination to outwit NG Ka Long Angus in a hard fought match and cruise into the semifinal of the Hylo Open Super 500 badminton here on Friday.

Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth showed great determination to outwit NG Ka Long Angus in a hard fought match and cruise into the semifinal of the Hylo Open Super 500 badminton here on Friday. The sixth seed Srikanth subdued the higher ranked Hong Kong shuttler 21-11 12-21 21-19 in a men's singles quarterfinal that lasted one hour four minutes. Srikanth, ranked 15, hardly broke a sweat in the first game, taking a 1-0 lead. ALSO READ: India's next generation a long way behind Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, feels Prakash Padukone However, Indian lost momentum in the second game as the world no nine Angus levelled the proceedings. Both players dominated a game each but the decider was fought on an even keel. In the end, Srikanth had five match points to seal the deal but the former world no one squandered four before eking out a narrow win. With the win Srikanth levelled the head to head record against Angus. Both shuttlers now have three wins each against each other. ALSO READ: Anurag Thakur hands over trophies to Rani, Vinesh and other 2020 National Sports Awards winners Srikanth will take on Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the semifinals.

Hylo Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth cruises to semifinal with hard fought win over NG Ka Long Angus

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth and fellow Indian shuttler Sameer Verma made winning starts to their men's singles campaigns at the USD 850,000 Denmark Open Super 1000 tournament here on Tuesday.

Srikanth, who had claimed the title in 2017, outsmarted compatriot B Sai Praneeth 21-14 21-11 in 30 minutes, while Sameer, ranked 28th, prevailed over Thailand's world no 21 Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-17 21-14 in a 42-minute clash.

World no 14 Srikanth is expected to meet world no 1 and top-seeded Japanese Kento Momota in the second round, while Sameer will face Denmark's third seed Anders Antonsen in all probability in the next round.

In men's doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy lost 18-21 11-21 to Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in the opening round to bow out of the competition.

Double Olympic medallist and reigning world champion P V Sindhu will begin her campaign later in the day.&nbsp;

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth and fellow Indian shuttler Sameer Verma made winning starts to their men's singles campaigns at the USD 850,000 Denmark Open Super 1000 tournament here on Tuesday.

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth and fellow Indian shuttler Sameer Verma made winning starts to their men's singles campaigns at the USD 850,000 Denmark Open Super 1000 tournament here on Tuesday. Srikanth, who had claimed the title in 2017, outsmarted compatriot B Sai Praneeth 21-14 21-11 in 30 minutes, while Sameer, ranked 28th, prevailed over Thailand's world no 21 Kunlavut Vitidsarn 21-17 21-14 in a 42-minute clash. World no 14 Srikanth is expected to meet world no 1 and top-seeded Japanese Kento Momota in the second round, while Sameer will face Denmark's third seed Anders Antonsen in all probability in the next round. In men's doubles, Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy lost 18-21 11-21 to Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in the opening round to bow out of the competition. Double Olympic medallist and reigning world champion P V Sindhu will begin her campaign later in the day.

Kidambi Srikanth, Sameer Verma off to winning starts at Denmark Open

COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series. While there have been cases where athletes have expressed their frustration over swab collection, Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth took to social media platform Twitter to show some photographs where his nose was left bleeding after the test.&nbsp;

Srikanth, who is in Bangkok for the ongoing Thailand Open, posted three photographs on Twitter on Tuesday as he expressed his anger over the swab collection. The photographs showed his bloodied nose and blood-soaked tissues. &nbsp;

Srikanth in his post wrote that players take care of themselves for matches and don’t participate to shed blood like this referring to the bloodied nose. He added that since landing in Thailand, he gave four tests for coronavirus and none of them was pleasant.&nbsp;

“We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable,” Srikanth wrote. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-pv-sindhu-sai-praneeth-knocked-out-in-1st-round-356232" hreflang="en">Thailand Open: PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth knocked out in 1st round</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . 
Unacceptable <a href="https://t.co/ir56ji8Yjw">pic.twitter.com/ir56ji8Yjw</a>
— Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) <a href="https://twitter.com/srikidambi/status/1348920319554121728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A bit of blood during swab test is common but Srikanth’s nose was bleeding heavily, which irked the Indian shuttler. &nbsp;

As fans expressed their anger after seeing Kidambi’s bloodied nose, Parupalli Kashyap also reacted by posting an angry emoji. &nbsp;

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😠😠😠
— Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) <a href="https://twitter.com/parupallik/status/1348928250223857665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Srikanth has been drawn with Sourabh Verma in the first round of Thailand Open with the match scheduled to be played on Wednesday. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-hs-prannoy-parupalli-kashyap-withdraw-for-thailand-open-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-356209" hreflang="en">Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap withdraw for Thailand Open after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

<h2>Here's how fans reacted:&nbsp;</h2>

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Never seen this happen to other sports person all of them get tested but not like this <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bwfmedia</a>
— Sharah (@bsksara) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsksara/status/1348921508920324099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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this is so unacceptable... please take care
— Jaaee28 (@jaimuk28) <a href="https://twitter.com/jaimuk28/status/1348921290225172480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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How can athletes and their fans feel secure if they aren't taken care of properly? <a href="https://twitter.com/bwfmedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bwfmedia</a> please improve. We don't want to see such sights ever again 😑 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YonexThailandOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YonexThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen2021</a>
— s a n g i t a. 💙 (@sangitahermione) <a href="https://twitter.com/sangitahermione/status/1348929090313601025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This is terrible. This can't happen.
— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) <a href="https://twitter.com/dassport_TT/status/1348921265252286465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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You are very precious for us. Please do not risk your lives for the game. Please come back home and stay safe. It might be very tough on you, but please dump these tourneys for some more time. We love you and pray for you <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NSaina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/parupallik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@parupallik</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Pvsindhu1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pvsindhu1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sikkireddy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sikkireddy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/P9Ashwini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P9Ashwini</a>
— King of Hearts 💕 💞 (@rajrebba1) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajrebba1/status/1348933141134643200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;While for the rest of the Indian squad, the Thailand Open will be the first event in almost 10 months, Srikanth had participated in the Denmark Super 750 in October. &nbsp;

Talking to Olympic channel he said, "I would like to be physically fit and do well in all the tournaments that I play. The New Year resolution that I managed to hold onto was to get physically better. I think I managed to work on my physical fitness and get better."&nbsp;

Srikanth’s maiden BWF Grand Prix title came at the Thailand Open in 2013.&nbsp;

Earlier on Tuesday, the likes of Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap pulled out of the Thailand Open. While Saina and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19, Kashyap came in close proximity with a positive player.&nbsp;

COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series.

COVID-19 tests have become a norm for athletes participating in various tournaments around the world. From football, cricket, tennis and other major sport, players and staff have been regularly tested, even twice in some cases, to avoid the spread of the dreaded virus in between a tournament or series. While there have been cases where athletes have expressed their frustration over swab collection, Indian badminton star Kidambi Srikanth took to social media platform Twitter to show some photographs where his nose was left bleeding after the test. Srikanth, who is in Bangkok for the ongoing Thailand Open, posted three photographs on Twitter on Tuesday as he expressed his anger over the swab collection. The photographs showed his bloodied nose and blood-soaked tissues. Srikanth in his post wrote that players take care of themselves for matches and don’t participate to shed blood like this referring to the bloodied nose. He added that since landing in Thailand, he gave four tests for coronavirus and none of them was pleasant. “We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable,” Srikanth wrote. ALSO READ: Thailand Open: PV Sindhu, Sai Praneeth knocked out in 1st round We take care of ourselves for the match not to come and shed blood for THIS . However , I gave 4 tests after I have arrived and I can’t say any of them have been pleasant . Unacceptable pic.twitter.com/ir56ji8Yjw — Kidambi Srikanth (@srikidambi) January 12, 2021 × A bit of blood during swab test is common but Srikanth’s nose was bleeding heavily, which irked the Indian shuttler. As fans expressed their anger after seeing Kidambi’s bloodied nose, Parupalli Kashyap also reacted by posting an angry emoji. 😠😠😠 — Parupalli Kashyap (@parupallik) January 12, 2021 × Srikanth has been drawn with Sourabh Verma in the first round of Thailand Open with the match scheduled to be played on Wednesday. ALSO READ: Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy, Parupalli Kashyap withdraw for Thailand Open after testing positive for COVID-19 Here's how fans reacted: Never seen this happen to other sports person all of them get tested but not like this @bwfmedia — Sharah (@bsksara) January 12, 2021 × this is so unacceptable... please take care — Jaaee28 (@jaimuk28) January 12, 2021 × How can athletes and their fans feel secure if they aren't taken care of properly? @bwfmedia please improve. We don't want to see such sights ever again 😑 #YonexThailandOpen #ThailandOpen2021 — s a n g i t a. 💙 (@sangitahermione) January 12, 2021 × This is terrible. This can't happen. — N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) January 12, 2021 × You are very precious for us. Please do not risk your lives for the game. Please come back home and stay safe. It might be very tough on you, but please dump these tourneys for some more time. We love you and pray for you @NSaina @parupallik @Pvsindhu1 @sikkireddy @P9Ashwini — King of Hearts 💕 💞 (@rajrebba1) January 12, 2021 × While for the rest of the Indian squad, the Thailand Open will be the first event in almost 10 months, Srikanth had participated in the Denmark Super 750 in October. Talking to Olympic channel he said, "I would like to be physically fit and do well in all the tournaments that I play. The New Year resolution that I managed to hold onto was to get physically better. I think I managed to work on my physical fitness and get better." Srikanth’s maiden BWF Grand Prix title came at the Thailand Open in 2013. Earlier on Tuesday, the likes of Saina Nehwal, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap pulled out of the Thailand Open. While Saina and Prannoy tested positive for COVID-19, Kashyap came in close proximity with a positive player.

Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the entire world in a stand-still. The sporting calendar has been torn apart by the outbreak of the dreaded virus with all the tournaments getting either cancelled or postponed. The 21-day lockdown period in India, which is enforced to curb the spread of the coronavirus, has restricted all the athletes to train indoors.&nbsp;

Ace Indian badminton player, Kidambi Srikanth, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about a lot of things ranging from the decision to postpone Olympics, how it will affect the qualification scenario, his run of form of late, how he is managing to remain fit amid the lockdown and much more.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-sports-shuttler-srikanth-ready-to-grab-recond-chance-badminton-290465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Digvijay Singh Deo: Srikanth,&nbsp;I must start with what you think of the decision to postpone the Olympic games because pushing the dates back by a year directly affects you.&nbsp;

Kidambi Srikanth:&nbsp;I think the situation the world is in right now with this deadly virus, it is the correct decision. Sport is very important to athletes, but not more important than life itself.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-virus-rewriting-history-books-in-tennis-mahesh-bhupathi-opens-up-on-wimbledon-cancellation-life-in-lockdown-and-more-290212" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more</a>

<img alt="Kidambi Srikanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb89f59e-fc3b-49e9-adb2-45068d76a1a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1F64FB.jpg" />

DSD:&nbsp;Do you now firmly believe that you will get a fair chance at qualification once again? And I empashize the word fair here.

KS:&nbsp;I’m not sure about the process to qualify for the Games. The Badminton World Federation has not given an official statement yet. They will have to decide what tournaments they will form part of the qualifiers. I think every player who is capable of being in the top 16 of the rankings, be it this year or next year will get the chance to make it to the Olympics

DSD: Let’s look at the problems all the Indian shuttlers we’re facing. Parupalli Kashyap was very vocal about it as well and Saina Nehwal too. When we play a sport we believe in the principle of fair play. You think that was missing with the BWF cancelling tournaments and then not announcing any backup. That is favoured only a certain set of players who were all but qualified for the Olympics.

KS:&nbsp;Initially, they cancelled some tournaments and I was one of the players whose ranking got severely affected as no compensation in the form of an event was being offered. But now since the games have been postponed, it gives BWF 12 months’ time to figure out what tournaments to include as part of the qualifying process before the deadline. Now the ball is in BWF’s court and they have to make a decision which is fair to all the players.

DSD:&nbsp;I must remind everyone that you reached the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics four years ago and played a memorable match against Lin Dan. PV Sindhu went on to win a silver there for India and you were cheering from the stands. What did playing in an Olympics mean to you Srikanth?

KS:&nbsp;Every athlete dreams of participating in the Olympics. Once you're there you obviously want to do well and win a medal for your country. At the Olympics, the athletes are not just playing for themselves, they are representing their countries. A medal won is added to the country's tally and not attributed to just the athlete. So being part of the games is something you cherish as an athlete. The whole country feels a sense of pride when an athlete wins a medal, so it is a dream of mine to do that and I will give it all I’ve got.

DSD: Talk us through if you will about how your approach and training changes in the approach to a big tournament like the Olympics that only comes once every 4 years. How far out do you start to plan for it?

KS:&nbsp;The other tournaments happen throughout the year, so you don't get a substantial amount of time to prepare. But the Olympics is one tournament where you get about one and a half to two months before the event with no tournaments. So that gives us players the time to work on every aspect of our game. Usually before other tournaments because of the time constraint, we can only work on specific aspects or our weaknesses. But that is not the case for the Olympics, so you actually go there with all you've got.

DSD: For you personally this forced break gives you a chance of recalibrating and figuring out what to change. Results over the last 12-18 months have not been good and by the standards, you have set you will be extremely disappointed.

KS:&nbsp;I think this is the ideal time for me to work on my fitness and physical state. I can also fix some posture issues. Unfortunately, I can't go to the gym at the moment, so I’m doing whatever I can at home. It's very important to maintain physical fitness at this time because whenever I get back to training on the court, my body should be ready. I have to put this time to good use so that I don't have to start from scratch when I’m back on the court. Apart from that, I’m also reflecting on my game, trying to figure out what worked for me in 2017-2018 and what my game has lacked in 2019.

DSD:&nbsp;If I may ask you - what do you think is missing? Is it a lack of confidence, errors in executing game plans, or a feeling that the same things that worked previously aren’t working anymore?

KS:&nbsp;I think initially it was my injury that was a major setback for me. Then when I recovered I feel like I was pushing myself too hard, playing too many tournaments. Subsequently, I dropped ranking points and put too much pressure on myself, because of that I got a few more injuries. So I probably won't play many tournaments in the next 12 months. I'll work on my physical fitness and work on my body, which will hopefully result in good performances on the court. I'll probably play one tournament a month in the next 12 months.

<img alt="Kidambi Srikanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3403f59a-22ff-4729-b10f-b5b9e3b91b6e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1FL3B5.jpg" />

DSD:&nbsp;There was a suggestion from Pullela Gopichand earlier in the season that playing too many tournaments was a reason for the early exits of the Indian shuttlers in&nbsp;a few consecutive events. Also, badminton as a sport requires consistency over a 12-month period to qualify for the Olympics, unlike sports like shooting and archery where there are designated tournaments where you can qualify.

KS:&nbsp;I think one mistake the BWF continues to make every year is it puts pressure on players to play minimum 12 super series events every year, along with that there will be tournaments like the Thomas Cup and the World Championships. So that adds up to about 17-18 tournaments every year, which puts a lot of pressure on the players. I don't think it is possible for a player to be fit for 18 tournaments ever year. So that is what taking a toll on many players' bodies and resulting in injuries. So the calendar is something the BWF should definitely look at. I think from the player's point of view, the number of mandatory tournaments in a year should be reduced to 12 to 15. That'll help the players stay fit and as a result, they'll be able to compete at the highest level.

DSD:&nbsp;&nbsp;Let’s now talk about how you are approaching your day in these times. The lockdown has been much longer for you as you all had to enter a period of self-isolation after returning from All England

KS:&nbsp;After a long time, I’ve been at home for this long period. I think in the last 12-16 months; I’ve not spent more than 2 weeks at home in total. I'm also in Guntur and not in Hyderabad, which is also rare. In the last 10 or 12 years, i have not spent more than 4 days at my home in Guntur at a stretch. I've been in Guntur since 13th march, so it’s almost been 3 weeks, it is a bit strange almost difficult to be at one place. Suddenly I feel that travelling is easier. If training facilities would have been open in Hyderabad, I think I would have preferred being there. But staying at home with nothing much to do is a bit difficult for me.

DSD:&nbsp;&nbsp;What about badminton.is it necessary for you to keep playing every day and how are you managing that?

KS: There are some indoor courts nearby but they are all shut. So as of now, I have nowhere I can train. Even all the gyms are closed.

DSD: We are seeing many international athletes post videos etc, of their fitness regimes. Indian athletes like Ashwini Ponnappa and Anjum Moudgil also doing the same. So what are you up to?

KS:&nbsp;There are exercises I do every day for about 30 to 45 minutes. It's about staying fit so that the fitness levels of my body do not drop down drastically. I think that's my main goal in this period to stay physically fit.

<img alt="Kidambi Srikanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="29b5e62b-1741-4b5d-95bd-dae1c8f04fdf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1416MA.jpg" />

DSD: since you are in Guntur and with pretty much nothing to do how are you spending time with family. Are you trying your hand at cooking?&nbsp;Do you have a WhatsApp group of fellow shuttlers. What are they up to and what are all you talking about?

KS:&nbsp;I’m not cooking, but I watch TV with my parents and sometimes play carrom. I usually watch whatever comes up on TV, no particular show as I haven't planned anything to watch. I also do some gaming on my mobile. I’m in touch with my team-mates and know what they're up to.

&nbsp;

<o:p></o:p>

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the entire world in a stand-still. The sporting calendar has been torn apart by the outbreak of the dreaded virus with all the tournaments getting either cancelled or postponed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has left the entire world in a stand-still. The sporting calendar has been torn apart by the outbreak of the dreaded virus with all the tournaments getting either cancelled or postponed. The 21-day lockdown period in India, which is enforced to curb the spread of the coronavirus, has restricted all the athletes to train indoors. Ace Indian badminton player, Kidambi Srikanth, in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about a lot of things ranging from the decision to postpone Olympics, how it will affect the qualification scenario, his run of form of late, how he is managing to remain fit amid the lockdown and much more. Watch | Digvijay Singh Deo: Srikanth, I must start with what you think of the decision to postpone the Olympic games because pushing the dates back by a year directly affects you. Kidambi Srikanth: I think the situation the world is in right now with this deadly virus, it is the correct decision. Sport is very important to athletes, but not more important than life itself. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Virus rewriting history books in tennis' - Mahesh Bhupathi opens up on Wimbledon cancellation, life in lockdown and more DSD: Do you now firmly believe that you will get a fair chance at qualification once again? And I empashize the word fair here. KS: I’m not sure about the process to qualify for the Games. The Badminton World Federation has not given an official statement yet. They will have to decide what tournaments they will form part of the qualifiers. I think every player who is capable of being in the top 16 of the rankings, be it this year or next year will get the chance to make it to the Olympics DSD: Let’s look at the problems all the Indian shuttlers we’re facing. Parupalli Kashyap was very vocal about it as well and Saina Nehwal too. When we play a sport we believe in the principle of fair play. You think that was missing with the BWF cancelling tournaments and then not announcing any backup. That is favoured only a certain set of players who were all but qualified for the Olympics. KS: Initially, they cancelled some tournaments and I was one of the players whose ranking got severely affected as no compensation in the form of an event was being offered. But now since the games have been postponed, it gives BWF 12 months’ time to figure out what tournaments to include as part of the qualifying process before the deadline. Now the ball is in BWF’s court and they have to make a decision which is fair to all the players. DSD: I must remind everyone that you reached the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics four years ago and played a memorable match against Lin Dan. PV Sindhu went on to win a silver there for India and you were cheering from the stands. What did playing in an Olympics mean to you Srikanth? KS: Every athlete dreams of participating in the Olympics. Once you're there you obviously want to do well and win a medal for your country. At the Olympics, the athletes are not just playing for themselves, they are representing their countries. A medal won is added to the country's tally and not attributed to just the athlete. So being part of the games is something you cherish as an athlete. The whole country feels a sense of pride when an athlete wins a medal, so it is a dream of mine to do that and I will give it all I’ve got. DSD: Talk us through if you will about how your approach and training changes in the approach to a big tournament like the Olympics that only comes once every 4 years. How far out do you start to plan for it? KS: The other tournaments happen throughout the year, so you don't get a substantial amount of time to prepare. But the Olympics is one tournament where you get about one and a half to two months before the event with no tournaments. So that gives us players the time to work on every aspect of our game. Usually before other tournaments because of the time constraint, we can only work on specific aspects or our weaknesses. But that is not the case for the Olympics, so you actually go there with all you've got. DSD: For you personally this forced break gives you a chance of recalibrating and figuring out what to change. Results over the last 12-18 months have not been good and by the standards, you have set you will be extremely disappointed. KS: I think this is the ideal time for me to work on my fitness and physical state. I can also fix some posture issues. Unfortunately, I can't go to the gym at the moment, so I’m doing whatever I can at home. It's very important to maintain physical fitness at this time because whenever I get back to training on the court, my body should be ready. I have to put this time to good use so that I don't have to start from scratch when I’m back on the court. Apart from that, I’m also reflecting on my game, trying to figure out what worked for me in 2017-2018 and what my game has lacked in 2019. DSD: If I may ask you - what do you think is missing? Is it a lack of confidence, errors in executing game plans, or a feeling that the same things that worked previously aren’t working anymore? KS: I think initially it was my injury that was a major setback for me. Then when I recovered I feel like I was pushing myself too hard, playing too many tournaments. Subsequently, I dropped ranking points and put too much pressure on myself, because of that I got a few more injuries. So I probably won't play many tournaments in the next 12 months. I'll work on my physical fitness and work on my body, which will hopefully result in good performances on the court. I'll probably play one tournament a month in the next 12 months. DSD: There was a suggestion from Pullela Gopichand earlier in the season that playing too many tournaments was a reason for the early exits of the Indian shuttlers in a few consecutive events. Also, badminton as a sport requires consistency over a 12-month period to qualify for the Olympics, unlike sports like shooting and archery where there are designated tournaments where you can qualify. KS: I think one mistake the BWF continues to make every year is it puts pressure on players to play minimum 12 super series events every year, along with that there will be tournaments like the Thomas Cup and the World Championships. So that adds up to about 17-18 tournaments every year, which puts a lot of pressure on the players. I don't think it is possible for a player to be fit for 18 tournaments ever year. So that is what taking a toll on many players' bodies and resulting in injuries. So the calendar is something the BWF should definitely look at. I think from the player's point of view, the number of mandatory tournaments in a year should be reduced to 12 to 15. That'll help the players stay fit and as a result, they'll be able to compete at the highest level. DSD: Let’s now talk about how you are approaching your day in these times. The lockdown has been much longer for you as you all had to enter a period of self-isolation after returning from All England KS: After a long time, I’ve been at home for this long period. I think in the last 12-16 months; I’ve not spent more than 2 weeks at home in total. I'm also in Guntur and not in Hyderabad, which is also rare. In the last 10 or 12 years, i have not spent more than 4 days at my home in Guntur at a stretch. I've been in Guntur since 13th march, so it’s almost been 3 weeks, it is a bit strange almost difficult to be at one place. Suddenly I feel that travelling is easier. If training facilities would have been open in Hyderabad, I think I would have preferred being there. But staying at home with nothing much to do is a bit difficult for me. DSD: What about badminton.is it necessary for you to keep playing every day and how are you managing that? KS: There are some indoor courts nearby but they are all shut. So as of now, I have nowhere I can train. Even all the gyms are closed. DSD: We are seeing many international athletes post videos etc, of their fitness regimes. Indian athletes like Ashwini Ponnappa and Anjum Moudgil also doing the same. So what are you up to? KS: There are exercises I do every day for about 30 to 45 minutes. It's about staying fit so that the fitness levels of my body do not drop down drastically. I think that's my main goal in this period to stay physically fit. DSD: since you are in Guntur and with pretty much nothing to do how are you spending time with family. Are you trying your hand at cooking? Do you have a WhatsApp group of fellow shuttlers. What are they up to and what are all you talking about? KS: I’m not cooking, but I watch TV with my parents and sometimes play carrom. I usually watch whatever comes up on TV, no particular show as I haven't planned anything to watch. I also do some gaming on my mobile. I’m in touch with my team-mates and know what they're up to.

Exclusive: 'Sports is not important than life' - Kidambi Srikanth opens up on Olympics dream, recent form, life in lockdown and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bwf-world-championships-praneeth-settles-with-bronze-loses-to-kento-momota-in-semis-245368">BWF World Championships</a> defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-tour-finals-pv-sindhu-set-to-defend-title-in-china-267521">PV Sindhu</a> on Thursday cruised to the quarterfinals of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-loses-to-carolina-marin-in-semi-final-of-malaysia-masters-191421">Malaysia Masters</a> after winning a second-round match.

The 24-year-old had the upper hand in the clash and thrashed Japan's Aya Ohori in straight games 21-10, 21-15 that lasted for 34-minute. The world number six will now play in her quarterfinal match on January 10.

Earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saina-nehwal-stunned-in-first-round-of-china-open-260271">Saina Nehwal</a> defeated South Korea's An Se Young 25-23, 21-12 in 38 minutes. The first game saw back and forth action between both shuttlers. In the end, Nehwal kept her cool to win the match.

On Wednesday, the 29-year-old had outclassed Belgium's Lianne Tan 21-15, 21-17 to progress to the pre-quarterfinals.

Shuttlers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fuzhou-china-open-p-kashyap-crashes-out-after-losing-to-viktor-axelsen-260476">Parupalli Kashyap</a> and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the tournament after losing their matches to Japan's Kento Momota and Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei respectively.

BWF World Championships defending champion PV Sindhu on Thursday cruised to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Malaysia Masters after winning a second-round match.

BWF World Championships defending champion PV Sindhu on Thursday cruised to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Malaysia Masters after winning a second-round match. The 24-year-old had the upper hand in the clash and thrashed Japan's Aya Ohori in straight games 21-10, 21-15 that lasted for 34-minute. The world number six will now play in her quarterfinal match on January 10. Earlier in the day, Saina Nehwal defeated South Korea's An Se Young 25-23, 21-12 in 38 minutes. The first game saw back and forth action between both shuttlers. In the end, Nehwal kept her cool to win the match. On Wednesday, the 29-year-old had outclassed Belgium's Lianne Tan 21-15, 21-17 to progress to the pre-quarterfinals. Shuttlers Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the tournament after losing their matches to Japan's Kento Momota and Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei respectively.

BWF: PV Sindhu cruises to quarterfinals of Malaysia Masters

Indian shuttler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-saina-nehwal-enter-second-round-of-asia-badminton-championship-213196">Sameer Verma</a> was knocked out of the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysias-mahathir-says-hong-kong-leader-should-step-down-253709">Malaysia Masters</a> here on Thursday. 
 
The 25-year-old faced a defeat in the second round of the match at the hands of local boy Lee Zii Jia in straight games 21-19, 22-20.

Verma had the lead in the first game but lost consecutive points and ultimately lost the match after a tough fight in the second game.

The clash lasted for 52 minutes and the defeat ended Verma's run in the competition.

Earlier in the day, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating South Korea's An Se Young 25-23, 21-12 in about minutes 38 minutes.

The first game saw back and forth action between both shuttlers. In the end, Nehwal kept her cool to win the match.

On Wednesday, the 29-year-old had outclassed Belgium's Lianne Tan 21-15, 21-17 to progress to the pre-quarterfinals.

Men's shuttlers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ace-shuttlers-saina-nehwal-parupalli-kashyap-tie-the-knot-184076">Parupalli Kashyap</a> and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the tournament after losing their matches to Japan's Kento Momota and Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei respectively.

&nbsp;

Indian shuttler Sameer Verma was knocked out of the ongoing Malaysia Masters here on Thursday. The 25-year-old faced a defeat in the second round of the match at the hands of local boy Lee Zii Jia in straight games 21-19, 22-20.

Indian shuttler Sameer Verma was knocked out of the ongoing Malaysia Masters here on Thursday. The 25-year-old faced a defeat in the second round of the match at the hands of local boy Lee Zii Jia in straight games 21-19, 22-20. Verma had the lead in the first game but lost consecutive points and ultimately lost the match after a tough fight in the second game. The clash lasted for 52 minutes and the defeat ended Verma's run in the competition. Earlier in the day, ace shuttler Saina Nehwal advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating South Korea's An Se Young 25-23, 21-12 in about minutes 38 minutes. The first game saw back and forth action between both shuttlers. In the end, Nehwal kept her cool to win the match. On Wednesday, the 29-year-old had outclassed Belgium's Lianne Tan 21-15, 21-17 to progress to the pre-quarterfinals. Men's shuttlers Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of the tournament after losing their matches to Japan's Kento Momota and Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei respectively.

BWF: Sameer Verma ousted from Malaysia Masters

Indian shuttlers <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-pv-sindhu-faces-second-round-exit-at-the-australian-open-225039&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRtKyO2bvjAhXFKo8KHYlVBmwQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3kyCRaz6h5hE0rsCLWAB3J">PV Sindhu</a> and Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the second round of the ongoing Indonesia Open after winning their respective first-round matches on Wednesday.

Sindhu defeated Aya Ohori of Japan 11-21, 21-15, 21-15 whereas Srikanth outclassed Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-14, 21-13.

24-year-old <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-saina-nehwal-enter-second-round-of-asia-badminton-championship-213196&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRtKyO2bvjAhXFKo8KHYlVBmwQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BdUxcjeaqRtu8XT3ARbDo">Sindhu </a>lost the first set against Ohori but she was able to bounce back in the second and third set to win the match that lasted for almost an hour.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/kidambi-srikanth-seals-final-spot-at-india-open-206729&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiH_am62bvjAhUFrY8KHZmsAiEQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lP3sZfzCg50N1dFS8x0td">Srikanth </a>had a field day as he brushed aside Nishimoto's challenge in under 40 minutes.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Indian doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the second round as they defeated Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin 21-19, 18-21, 21-19 in a first-round match.

In the mixed doubles event, Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy defeated Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek 25-23, 16-21, 21-19 to advance to the second round.

However, in the women's doubles category, India's Ashwini Ponnappa and N.Sikki Reddy suffered a setback as they were defeated by Vivian Hoo and Yap Cheng Wen 22-20, 20-22, 22-20.

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the second round of the ongoing Indonesia Open after winning their respective first-round matches on Wednesday.

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the second round of the ongoing Indonesia Open after winning their respective first-round matches on Wednesday. Sindhu defeated Aya Ohori of Japan 11-21, 21-15, 21-15 whereas Srikanth outclassed Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-14, 21-13. 24-year-old Sindhu lost the first set against Ohori but she was able to bounce back in the second and third set to win the match that lasted for almost an hour. Srikanth had a field day as he brushed aside Nishimoto's challenge in under 40 minutes. Earlier, on Tuesday, Indian doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the second round as they defeated Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin 21-19, 18-21, 21-19 in a first-round match. In the mixed doubles event, Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy defeated Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek 25-23, 16-21, 21-19 to advance to the second round. However, in the women's doubles category, India's Ashwini Ponnappa and N.Sikki Reddy suffered a setback as they were defeated by Vivian Hoo and Yap Cheng Wen 22-20, 20-22, 22-20.

Indonesia Open: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth advance to second round

Indian shuttlers HS Prannoy and B Sai Praneeth Monday claimed that administrative goof-ups by the Badminton Association of India have robbed them of participation at the Asia Badminton Championship, an allegation that the BAI refuted.

India will be represented by Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma in men's singles at the $&nbsp;400,000 event in Wuhan, China, commencing on Tuesday after the BAI allegedly did not confirm the entries of Prannoy and Praneeth to the organisers.

"According to the process, Badminton Asia confederation sent the allocations informing who are the players who all have qualified from a country. All other countries like Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia have four entries even though Indonesia and Malaysian players are ranked way below me and Praneeth," Prannoy told PTI.

"So I enquired about the rules and came to know BAI didn't reply to the e-mails confirming our entries," added the 26-year-old, who had won a bronze at the last edition.

The BAI, however, said in a statement that Badminton Asia asked for only two entries in men's singles and it sent the names of Srikanth and Verma based on their world rankings.

"Based on the e-mail received from Badminton Asia, we were asked to send names of two players each for Men Singles, Women's Singles; three names each for Men's and Women's doubles and 4 players for mixed doubles.

And the draw that was published based on the World Ranking of players dated week of February 26, 2019, mentioned Kidambi Srikanth (World Ranking 6) and Sameer Verma (World Ranking 11) in the main draw as per the ranking eligibility list published by Badminton Asia and the same was followed to send the players for the Championships," the BAI said in a statement.

Prannoy, who had been battling a gastroesophageal reflux disease since last year, has missed out on a lot of time.

He was looking good in the last few weeks, having reached the quarterfinals at India Open, but now he won't have the chance to defend his semifinal ranking points.

"It happened in 2016 also. ABC was the last event for the Olympic race and me and Ajay Jayaram were also running for the Olympics. Then Kashyap and Srikanth got the entries, so that time also nobody told us. At that time also BAI didn't confirm.

"Last year we all played because the guy who send the entries, Abhijit, was doing everything correctly, now I don't know what is happening, who is missing. The system is entirely messed up," alleged the 26-year-old.

"Next year ABC will come in the Tokyo qualification and if they mess it up again then I won't be able to take it," added a frustrated Prannoy.

According to sources, the BAI did not send the entries of around 10 shuttlers, including top doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, for the New Zealand Open (April 30 to May 5), which starts the Olympic qualification race.

"Almost 10 entries have been missed even though players had sent their names before the deadline and they are not even apologising for it," Prannoy claimed. 
Satwik had been nursing a shoulder injury and was missing in action this season.

They had planned to start the year with the New Zealand Open but now they have decided to utilise the time playing international challenger events in Brazil and Denmark.

"After we came to know that our entries were not sent we decided to play at Brazil and Denmark," Chirag said.

Prannoy also alleged that travelling for tournaments too have became difficult as the players mostly come to know about the ticket confirmation at the last moment.

"The guys who is handling our entries, travelling, transporting is messing it up for the last five months since Abhijit quit BAI.

"Ticketing is done at last moment. If we are travelling on Saturday, we are getting to know on that day itself and we are getting worse flights. Why can't they confirm our tickets five days before," asked Prannoy.

He also claimed that they were stranded in Hong Kong during the Asia Mixed team championship, apparently, due to another goof-up by the BAI.

"When we went to Hong Kong for ABC mixed team event, we were stranded at the airport for two hours. There was no transportation for us because BAI didn't send the request to the organisers," he said.

"The BAI official sent in the transportation request for Hong Kong event in the form of Wuhan event (individual event). Can you imagine that?," Prannoy said.&nbsp;

Indian shuttlers HS Prannoy and B Sai Praneeth Monday claimed that administrative goof-ups by the Badminton Association of India have robbed them of participation at the Asia Badminton Championship, an allegation that the BAI refuted.

Indian shuttlers HS Prannoy and B Sai Praneeth Monday claimed that administrative goof-ups by the Badminton Association of India have robbed them of participation at the Asia Badminton Championship, an allegation that the BAI refuted. India will be represented by Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma in men's singles at the $ 400,000 event in Wuhan, China, commencing on Tuesday after the BAI allegedly did not confirm the entries of Prannoy and Praneeth to the organisers. "According to the process, Badminton Asia confederation sent the allocations informing who are the players who all have qualified from a country. All other countries like Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia have four entries even though Indonesia and Malaysian players are ranked way below me and Praneeth," Prannoy told PTI. "So I enquired about the rules and came to know BAI didn't reply to the e-mails confirming our entries," added the 26-year-old, who had won a bronze at the last edition. The BAI, however, said in a statement that Badminton Asia asked for only two entries in men's singles and it sent the names of Srikanth and Verma based on their world rankings. "Based on the e-mail received from Badminton Asia, we were asked to send names of two players each for Men Singles, Women's Singles; three names each for Men's and Women's doubles and 4 players for mixed doubles. And the draw that was published based on the World Ranking of players dated week of February 26, 2019, mentioned Kidambi Srikanth (World Ranking 6) and Sameer Verma (World Ranking 11) in the main draw as per the ranking eligibility list published by Badminton Asia and the same was followed to send the players for the Championships," the BAI said in a statement. Prannoy, who had been battling a gastroesophageal reflux disease since last year, has missed out on a lot of time. He was looking good in the last few weeks, having reached the quarterfinals at India Open, but now he won't have the chance to defend his semifinal ranking points. "It happened in 2016 also. ABC was the last event for the Olympic race and me and Ajay Jayaram were also running for the Olympics. Then Kashyap and Srikanth got the entries, so that time also nobody told us. At that time also BAI didn't confirm. "Last year we all played because the guy who send the entries, Abhijit, was doing everything correctly, now I don't know what is happening, who is missing. The system is entirely messed up," alleged the 26-year-old. "Next year ABC will come in the Tokyo qualification and if they mess it up again then I won't be able to take it," added a frustrated Prannoy. According to sources, the BAI did not send the entries of around 10 shuttlers, including top doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, for the New Zealand Open (April 30 to May 5), which starts the Olympic qualification race. "Almost 10 entries have been missed even though players had sent their names before the deadline and they are not even apologising for it," Prannoy claimed. Satwik had been nursing a shoulder injury and was missing in action this season. They had planned to start the year with the New Zealand Open but now they have decided to utilise the time playing international challenger events in Brazil and Denmark. "After we came to know that our entries were not sent we decided to play at Brazil and Denmark," Chirag said. Prannoy also alleged that travelling for tournaments too have became difficult as the players mostly come to know about the ticket confirmation at the last moment. "The guys who is handling our entries, travelling, transporting is messing it up for the last five months since Abhijit quit BAI. "Ticketing is done at last moment. If we are travelling on Saturday, we are getting to know on that day itself and we are getting worse flights. Why can't they confirm our tickets five days before," asked Prannoy. He also claimed that they were stranded in Hong Kong during the Asia Mixed team championship, apparently, due to another goof-up by the BAI. "When we went to Hong Kong for ABC mixed team event, we were stranded at the airport for two hours. There was no transportation for us because BAI didn't send the request to the organisers," he said. "The BAI official sent in the transportation request for Hong Kong event in the form of Wuhan event (individual event). Can you imagine that?," Prannoy said.

Top shuttlers Prannoy, Praneeth blame BAI's administrative mess for missing Asian Badminton Championship

A fighting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Kidambi+Srikanth">Kidambi Srikanth</a> suffered a straight-game loss to Olympic champion Chen Long of China to bow out of the men's singles quarterfinals at the Malaysia Open here Friday.&nbsp;

The eighth-seeded Indian, who had reached the finals of India Open last week, blew a huge advantage in the opening game to eventually lose the quarterfinal match 18-21, 19-21.&nbsp;

This was Srikanth's fourth quarterfinal of the season.&nbsp;

Srikanth blew a 16-11 advantage in the opening game, while in the second game he fought back from 7-11 down to level scores at 19-19 before ending up on the losing side.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old had a 1-5 head-to-head record against Chen Long, whom he had defeated in their last meeting at the 2017 Australian Open.

The Chinese showed great defence, playing some exceptional shots like a between-the-legs return to keep the spectators entertained at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City.

In the first game, the Indian opened up a 11-7 lead at the first break. He kept his nose ahead till 16-11 before Chen started slowly clawing back into the contest.

The Chinese drew parity at 17-17 before sealing the game with a cross-court return that left the Indian stranded.

In the second game, Srikanth kept himself close to the Chinese before Chen unleashed a down-the-line smash to grab a 11-7 lead at the breather.&nbsp;

Srikanth made some simple errors like misjudging line calls, hitting wide and long and also mistiming shots as Chen led 16-8.

The Indian won a long rally when Chen went wide and then the Chinese lost a couple of more points near the net before attacking the Indians backhand to reach 17-11.

Srikanth kept breathing down Chen's neck and reduced the margin to 17-18 with the Chinese falling in a heap of errors.

The Indian levelled the scores at 18-all and was 19-19 when Chen hit another long shot.

But the Chinese sent one at the backline to move to match point and sealed it when a fighting Srikanth dived full stretch but couldn't keep the shuttle in.&nbsp;

A fighting Kidambi Srikanth suffered a straight-game loss to Olympic champion Chen Long of China to bow out of the men's singles quarterfinals at the Malaysia Open here Friday.

A fighting Kidambi Srikanth suffered a straight-game loss to Olympic champion Chen Long of China to bow out of the men's singles quarterfinals at the Malaysia Open here Friday. The eighth-seeded Indian, who had reached the finals of India Open last week, blew a huge advantage in the opening game to eventually lose the quarterfinal match 18-21, 19-21. This was Srikanth's fourth quarterfinal of the season. Srikanth blew a 16-11 advantage in the opening game, while in the second game he fought back from 7-11 down to level scores at 19-19 before ending up on the losing side. The 26-year-old had a 1-5 head-to-head record against Chen Long, whom he had defeated in their last meeting at the 2017 Australian Open. The Chinese showed great defence, playing some exceptional shots like a between-the-legs return to keep the spectators entertained at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City. In the first game, the Indian opened up a 11-7 lead at the first break. He kept his nose ahead till 16-11 before Chen started slowly clawing back into the contest. The Chinese drew parity at 17-17 before sealing the game with a cross-court return that left the Indian stranded. In the second game, Srikanth kept himself close to the Chinese before Chen unleashed a down-the-line smash to grab a 11-7 lead at the breather. Srikanth made some simple errors like misjudging line calls, hitting wide and long and also mistiming shots as Chen led 16-8. The Indian won a long rally when Chen went wide and then the Chinese lost a couple of more points near the net before attacking the Indians backhand to reach 17-11. Srikanth kept breathing down Chen's neck and reduced the margin to 17-18 with the Chinese falling in a heap of errors. The Indian levelled the scores at 18-all and was 19-19 when Chen hit another long shot. But the Chinese sent one at the backline to move to match point and sealed it when a fighting Srikanth dived full stretch but couldn't keep the shuttle in.

Srikanth loses to Chen Long at Malaysia Open

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu Thursday crashed out of the Malaysia Open after losing straight sets to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in the second round.

Sindhu fought a tight first game but failed to put up a fight in the second as she went down 18-21, 7-21 in the 43-minute affair.

On Wednesday, Sindhu advanced to the second round after facing some stiff challenge from Japan's Aya Ohori in the first set but completely dominated the second set as she defeated her 22-20, 21-12.

Yesterday, Saina Nehwal was knocked out of the tournament in the first round after losing to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian challenge in the Malaysian Open now rests on Kidambi Srikanth, who will face Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab later in the day.&nbsp;

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu Thursday crashed out of the Malaysia Open after losing straight sets to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in the second round. Sindhu fought a tight first game but failed to put up a fight in the second as she went down 18-21, 7-21 in the 43-minute affair.

India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu Thursday crashed out of the Malaysia Open after losing straight sets to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in the second round. Sindhu fought a tight first game but failed to put up a fight in the second as she went down 18-21, 7-21 in the 43-minute affair. On Wednesday, Sindhu advanced to the second round after facing some stiff challenge from Japan's Aya Ohori in the first set but completely dominated the second set as she defeated her 22-20, 21-12. Yesterday, Saina Nehwal was knocked out of the tournament in the first round after losing to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21. The Indian challenge in the Malaysian Open now rests on Kidambi Srikanth, who will face Thailand's Khosit Phetpradab later in the day.

Malaysia Open: PV Sindhu crashes out after losing to South Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in the 2nd round

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round of the Malaysian Open tournament in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday. 
&nbsp; 
Sindhu faced a stiff challenge from World no 20 Aya Ohori but surpassed her performance 22-20 21-12 to record her sixth win over the Japanese.

Meanwhile, Srikanth defeated Indonesia’s Ihsan Maulana Mustofa 21-18 21-16 in nearly 38 minutes.

Fifth seed Sindhu will next face Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun, while Srikanth will lock horns with Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab on Thursday.

HS Prannoy, who had reached the quarterfinals last week in New Delhi, however, bowed out after losing 12-21 21-16 21-14 to Sitthikom Thammasin of Thailand following a hard-fought battle.

With Sameer Verma too crashing out in the opening round, Srikanth is the only Indian in the fray in men’s singles.

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round of the Malaysian Open tournament in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday. Sindhu faced a stiff challenge from World no 20 Aya Ohori but surpassed her performance 22-20 21-12 to record her sixth win over the Japanese.

Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth advanced to the second round of the Malaysian Open tournament in Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday. Sindhu faced a stiff challenge from World no 20 Aya Ohori but surpassed her performance 22-20 21-12 to record her sixth win over the Japanese. Meanwhile, Srikanth defeated Indonesia’s Ihsan Maulana Mustofa 21-18 21-16 in nearly 38 minutes. Fifth seed Sindhu will next face Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun, while Srikanth will lock horns with Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab on Thursday. HS Prannoy, who had reached the quarterfinals last week in New Delhi, however, bowed out after losing 12-21 21-16 21-14 to Sitthikom Thammasin of Thailand following a hard-fought battle. With Sameer Verma too crashing out in the opening round, Srikanth is the only Indian in the fray in men’s singles.

Malaysia Open: PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth advance to second round

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-air-strike-never-thought-about-my-political-future-says-pm-modi-206991">Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">Major Leetul Gogoi's </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">court martial</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> complete, he may face </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943">reduction</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-martial-of-major-leetul-gogoi-completed-may-face-reduction-of-seniority-206943"> of seniority: Officials</a>

Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/over-14-lakh-suspicious-transactions-generated-after-demonetisation-says-fiu-report-206964">Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit</a>

The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found.

The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18.

This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wound-of-migration-cannot-be-solved-by-physical-barriers-pope-francis-206960">'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis</a>

Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-open-kidambi-srikanth-loses-to-viktor-axelsen-in-finals-206968">India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen</a>

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title.

After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. &nbsp;

Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

 
&nbsp;

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces.

Balakot air strike: Never thought about my political future, says PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that he was able to take the decision to order the Balakot air strikes because he had faith in the country defence forces. Modi was speaking at Delhi's Talkatora stadium at a "Main Bhi Chowkidar" event. Major Leetul Gogoi's court martial complete, he may face reduction of seniority: Officials Court martial proceedings against Major Leetul Gogoi, who was at the centre of the 2017 'human shield' controversy, have been completed and he may face a reduction in seniority as a punishment for "fraternising" with a local woman in Srinagar last year, officials said. Over 14 lakh suspicious transactions generated after demonetisation: Financial Intelligence Unit The 2016 demonetisation of two high-value currency notes led to the all-time-high generation of over 14 lakh suspicious transaction reports (STRs), a record 1,400% jump over the past, by banks and other financial institutions in the country, a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) report has found. The country's elite financial snooping unit has compiled comprehensive data of such instances, including fake currency deposits, for the year 2017-18. This is the highest-ever figure of STRs since the FIU was set up over a decade ago. 'Wound' of migration cannot be solved by physical barriers: Pope Francis Pope Francis said on Saturday the plight of migrants was "a wound that cries out to heaven" and could never be healed by physical barriers. India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title. After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title.

After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19.

The Indian shuttler had last won the India Open in 2015, then defeating Axelsen in three games.

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title. After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight.

Viktor Axelsen defeated India's Kidambi Srikanth 21-7, 22-20 on Sunday to take home the India Open 2019 men's singles title. After a one-sided first game, Srikanth pulled back in the second game to give the Dane a tough fight. But Axelsen held on to win in straight games. Srikanth had earlier displayed tremendous grit in the semi-final, bouncing back from a game down to beat China's Huang Yuxiang 16-21, 21-14, 21-19. The Indian shuttler had last won the India Open in 2015, then defeating Axelsen in three games.

India Open: Kidambi Srikanth loses final to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen

Home stars Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu overcame tough competition to reach the semi-finals of the badminton India Open but women's defending champion Zhang Beiwen of the United States crashed out Friday.

Srikanth, a former world number one, served past compatriot B Sai Praneeth 21-23, 21-11, 21-19 in the third round of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament in New Delhi.

Third-seeded Srikanth said he was delighted with the come-from-behind win to reach the last-eight stage for just the second time in 10 attempts.

"The turning point of the match was in the second game when I was 1-7 down and I fought back. From there, things changed," Srikanth, who is currently ranked seventh in the world, said.

"At 19-19 in the decider it could have gone either way. But I played well in the crucial points. So happy with my performance," Srikanth, who will face China's Huang Yuxiang in the semis, added.

Sindhu joined the Indian charge, edging out Denmark's eighth seed Mia Blichfeldt 21-19, 22-20 to set up a weekend clash with China's He Bingjiao, who beat last year's winner Zhang 21-18, 26-24 in the women's singles draw.&nbsp;

But Danish ace Viktor Axelsen had it easy against India's HS Prannoy after a 21-10, 21-16 win to book a final-four clash with veteran Parupalli Kashyap.

Kashyap, who recently wed Indian women's badminton ace Saina Nehwal, got past Taiwan's Wang Tzu Wei 21-16, 21-11 in the $350,000 event.

Home stars Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu overcame tough competition to reach the semi-finals of the badminton India Open but women's defending champion Zhang Beiwen of the United States crashed out Friday.

Home stars Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu overcame tough competition to reach the semi-finals of the badminton India Open but women's defending champion Zhang Beiwen of the United States crashed out Friday. Srikanth, a former world number one, served past compatriot B Sai Praneeth 21-23, 21-11, 21-19 in the third round of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournament in New Delhi. Third-seeded Srikanth said he was delighted with the come-from-behind win to reach the last-eight stage for just the second time in 10 attempts. "The turning point of the match was in the second game when I was 1-7 down and I fought back. From there, things changed," Srikanth, who is currently ranked seventh in the world, said. "At 19-19 in the decider it could have gone either way. But I played well in the crucial points. So happy with my performance," Srikanth, who will face China's Huang Yuxiang in the semis, added. Sindhu joined the Indian charge, edging out Denmark's eighth seed Mia Blichfeldt 21-19, 22-20 to set up a weekend clash with China's He Bingjiao, who beat last year's winner Zhang 21-18, 26-24 in the women's singles draw. But Danish ace Viktor Axelsen had it easy against India's HS Prannoy after a 21-10, 21-16 win to book a final-four clash with veteran Parupalli Kashyap. Kashyap, who recently wed Indian women's badminton ace Saina Nehwal, got past Taiwan's Wang Tzu Wei 21-16, 21-11 in the $350,000 event.

Kidambi Srikanth, PV Sindhu reach India Open semis, Zhang exits

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth broke a 17-month long drought by reaching the finals of the $350,000 India Open after prevailing in a three-game thriller in the men's singles competition here Saturday.

Srikanth had entered the finals of Commonwealth Games last year but he failed to reach the summit clash in any BWF superseries or BWF World Tour tournament since his French Open win in October, 2017.

The 26-year-old from Guntur eked out a 14-21 21-16 21-19 triumph over China's Huang yuxiang in an engrossing semifinal. He will face either second seed Viktor Axelsen or India's Parupalli Kashyap in the final.

"It's been really long since I reached a final. I'm just happy to be here, playing the final again," Srikanth said.

"I was trailing in the decided and I am happy to pull it off. I'm happy to come back in the second. It was about keeping the shuttle in. The crowd kept me going."

Srikanth used his flat tosses and deep lifts to engage his rival into rallies but Huang was also up to the task before the Indian managed to hold on a 11-10 lead at the first break.

The duel continued before the Chinese moved to a 18-14 lead after the Indian lost a few points at the net. Srikanth saved two game points with a cross court smash and a precise net shot before hitting wide to lose the first game.

In the second, Srikanth came on his own, opening up a 8-4 lead after playing some exceptional strokes. Two smashes took him to the 11-4 mark at the interval.&nbsp;

The Indian continued to dominate the proceedings after the breather and roared back into the contest when the Chinese hit the net.

In the decider, Srikanth was a step ahead initially but a wrong line call, a smash going wide and a net error allowed the Chinese to make it 8-7. The Indian, however, ensured a slender 11-10 lead at the break.&nbsp;

After the change of sides, Srikanth constructed the rallies but ended up hitting wide and long to fall behind 15-17.&nbsp;

A precise on-the-line smash helped him to draw parity 18-18. He pounced on to a weak return and then grabbed two match points after Huang hit wide. The Chinese saved one before hitting the net.

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth broke a 17-month long drought by reaching the finals of the $350,000 India Open after prevailing in a three-game thriller in the men's singles competition here Saturday.

Former champion Kidambi Srikanth broke a 17-month long drought by reaching the finals of the $350,000 India Open after prevailing in a three-game thriller in the men's singles competition here Saturday. Srikanth had entered the finals of Commonwealth Games last year but he failed to reach the summit clash in any BWF superseries or BWF World Tour tournament since his French Open win in October, 2017. The 26-year-old from Guntur eked out a 14-21 21-16 21-19 triumph over China's Huang yuxiang in an engrossing semifinal. He will face either second seed Viktor Axelsen or India's Parupalli Kashyap in the final. "It's been really long since I reached a final. I'm just happy to be here, playing the final again," Srikanth said. "I was trailing in the decided and I am happy to pull it off. I'm happy to come back in the second. It was about keeping the shuttle in. The crowd kept me going." Srikanth used his flat tosses and deep lifts to engage his rival into rallies but Huang was also up to the task before the Indian managed to hold on a 11-10 lead at the first break. The duel continued before the Chinese moved to a 18-14 lead after the Indian lost a few points at the net. Srikanth saved two game points with a cross court smash and a precise net shot before hitting wide to lose the first game. In the second, Srikanth came on his own, opening up a 8-4 lead after playing some exceptional strokes. Two smashes took him to the 11-4 mark at the interval. The Indian continued to dominate the proceedings after the breather and roared back into the contest when the Chinese hit the net. In the decider, Srikanth was a step ahead initially but a wrong line call, a smash going wide and a net error allowed the Chinese to make it 8-7. The Indian, however, ensured a slender 11-10 lead at the break. After the change of sides, Srikanth constructed the rallies but ended up hitting wide and long to fall behind 15-17. A precise on-the-line smash helped him to draw parity 18-18. He pounced on to a weak return and then grabbed two match points after Huang hit wide. The Chinese saved one before hitting the net.

Kidambi Srikanth seals final spot at India Open

Indian ace Kidambi Srikanth said it was irritating to lose close quarterfinals in a title-less season and stressed on the need to get physically and mentally tougher to win medals at the World Championship and Olympic Games. Srikanth, who had clinched four titles in 2017, lost nine quarterfinals and two semifinals while reaching the finals only once at the Commonwealth Games in the last 15 months.

"I think the series of quarterfinals are more irritating for me than losing in the first round," Srikanth told reporters on the eve of the India Open, starting here Tuesday.

"I think I have been consistent against a few players and then not able to get that win against a few others at quarterfinals and semifinals, that is what I'm working on -- to last the whole week.&nbsp;

"Probably, if I can do well in next 3-4 months before the World Championship. If I can get better physically and tougher mentally, I think I can do well at World Championship," he added.

Srikanth had suffered a leg injury at the 2017 Senior Nationals and ever since he has been troubled by small injury woes, especially related to his ankle, which affected his performance.

"I'm working on my fitness, I had too many injuries in late 2017 and 2018 and so if I can keep working on my fitness then I will have a great chance to win titles," he said.&nbsp;

"That is what worked for me in 2017, because I could sustain an hour and half hour. But 2018 and early 2019, I had some injuries and withdrew from tournaments.

"I am okay now. I had an ankle injury after playing a series of events at Malaysia, Indonesia and PBL. I'm feeling good now and I have been able to train for three weeks and I feel confident."

Srikanth said he just wants to focus on improving the little things and maintain his momentum to do well at the Olympics.

"I couldn't produce the results that I wanted to but still I'm happy with my improvement. So I am in that process now," he said.

"I'm not desperate, I just want to improve on different things, to be able to pull out crucial points in tough matches and be more consistent. All I am working on now is to do well at the Olympics. If I can hold on to the momentum and keep improving till the Olympics, I can do well there," Srikanth added.

The 26-year-old Indian said he is drawing inspiration from other top players such as Kento Momota, Shi Yuqi and Viktor Axelsen to come back into top 3.

"Momota has done extremely well since coming back from ban. The last 16 months or so, he has done well. Viktor too has managed to play quarters and semifinals, Shi

Yuqi also have been in top 3-4 consistently. These players are doing it consistently," he said.

"I have been in top 8 for last few years, so I'm working on to go that extra step and be back in top 3. I have been in top 4 for a year during 2017-18.

"The new coaches are also helping us, though it has been just a month but the next 3-4 months will be challenging."

Srikanth, a former world no 1, will open his campaign against Wong Wing Ki Vincent of Hong Kong and is expected to face either Sameer Verma or B Sai Praneeth in the quarterfinals.

"It is a good draw. In India, you expect to play so many Indian players as not all are seeded, so we end up playing each other in the initial rounds a lot. Since we play each other so often, it will be challenging. I feel it is easier to play a foreign player than an Indian," Srikanth said.

"So everyone is a tough opponent. I am playing Wong Wing Ki Vincent in first round. I had played him in Malaysia, it was a really close match and going forward I will only play tougher opponents."&nbsp;

Indian ace Kidambi Srikanth said it was irritating to lose close quarterfinals in a title-less season and stressed on the need to get physically and mentally tougher to win medals at the World Championship and Olympic Games.

Indian ace Kidambi Srikanth said it was irritating to lose close quarterfinals in a title-less season and stressed on the need to get physically and mentally tougher to win medals at the World Championship and Olympic Games. Srikanth, who had clinched four titles in 2017, lost nine quarterfinals and two semifinals while reaching the finals only once at the Commonwealth Games in the last 15 months. "I think the series of quarterfinals are more irritating for me than losing in the first round," Srikanth told reporters on the eve of the India Open, starting here Tuesday. "I think I have been consistent against a few players and then not able to get that win against a few others at quarterfinals and semifinals, that is what I'm working on -- to last the whole week. "Probably, if I can do well in next 3-4 months before the World Championship. If I can get better physically and tougher mentally, I think I can do well at World Championship," he added. Srikanth had suffered a leg injury at the 2017 Senior Nationals and ever since he has been troubled by small injury woes, especially related to his ankle, which affected his performance. "I'm working on my fitness, I had too many injuries in late 2017 and 2018 and so if I can keep working on my fitness then I will have a great chance to win titles," he said. "That is what worked for me in 2017, because I could sustain an hour and half hour. But 2018 and early 2019, I had some injuries and withdrew from tournaments. "I am okay now. I had an ankle injury after playing a series of events at Malaysia, Indonesia and PBL. I'm feeling good now and I have been able to train for three weeks and I feel confident." Srikanth said he just wants to focus on improving the little things and maintain his momentum to do well at the Olympics. "I couldn't produce the results that I wanted to but still I'm happy with my improvement. So I am in that process now," he said. "I'm not desperate, I just want to improve on different things, to be able to pull out crucial points in tough matches and be more consistent. All I am working on now is to do well at the Olympics. If I can hold on to the momentum and keep improving till the Olympics, I can do well there," Srikanth added. The 26-year-old Indian said he is drawing inspiration from other top players such as Kento Momota, Shi Yuqi and Viktor Axelsen to come back into top 3. "Momota has done extremely well since coming back from ban. The last 16 months or so, he has done well. Viktor too has managed to play quarters and semifinals, Shi Yuqi also have been in top 3-4 consistently. These players are doing it consistently," he said. "I have been in top 8 for last few years, so I'm working on to go that extra step and be back in top 3. I have been in top 4 for a year during 2017-18. "The new coaches are also helping us, though it has been just a month but the next 3-4 months will be challenging." Srikanth, a former world no 1, will open his campaign against Wong Wing Ki Vincent of Hong Kong and is expected to face either Sameer Verma or B Sai Praneeth in the quarterfinals. "It is a good draw. In India, you expect to play so many Indian players as not all are seeded, so we end up playing each other in the initial rounds a lot. Since we play each other so often, it will be challenging. I feel it is easier to play a foreign player than an Indian," Srikanth said. "So everyone is a tough opponent. I am playing Wong Wing Ki Vincent in first round. I had played him in Malaysia, it was a really close match and going forward I will only play tougher opponents."

Getting tougher mentally, physically key to World Championship medal: Kidambi Srikanth

India's star badminton player Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday defeated Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent in straight games to enter the second round of the French Open badminton tournament.&nbsp;

The Indian brushed off a tough challenge in the opening game to clinch a comprehensive 21-19, 21-13 verdict in 42 minutes.

Srikanth will now face the winner of the first round clash between Khosit Phetpradab of Thailand and South Korea's Lee Dong Keun.

India's star badminton player Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday defeated Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent in straight games to enter the second round of the French Open badminton tournament.

India's star badminton player Kidambi Srikanth on Wednesday defeated Hong Kong's Wong Wing Ki Vincent in straight games to enter the second round of the French Open badminton tournament. The Indian brushed off a tough challenge in the opening game to clinch a comprehensive 21-19, 21-13 verdict in 42 minutes. Srikanth will now face the winner of the first round clash between Khosit Phetpradab of Thailand and South Korea's Lee Dong Keun.

Badminton player Kidambi Srikanth advances at French Open

Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth ended his run at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday with a silver medal in the badminton men's singles final.

Srikanth conceded defeat against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei.

The 25-year old from Guntur, who recently rose to the number one spot at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rankings, comfortably sealed the first game 21-19. However, the Malaysian shuttler bounced back in the next two games, registering a 14-21, 14-21 victory over his Indian opponent to clinch the gold.

Earlier in the day, Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal won the gold medal after a 21-18, 23-21 victory in the all-Indian women's singles final against PV Sindhu.

With Srikanth's feat, India continues to stand third in the points table with 65 medals, including 26 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze medals.&nbsp

(With inputs from ANI)

Srikanth conceded defeat against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei.

Star Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth ended his run at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday with a silver medal in the badminton men's singles final. Srikanth conceded defeat against Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei. The 25-year old from Guntur, who recently rose to the number one spot at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) world rankings, comfortably sealed the first game 21-19. However, the Malaysian shuttler bounced back in the next two games, registering a 14-21, 14-21 victory over his Indian opponent to clinch the gold. Earlier in the day, Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal won the gold medal after a 21-18, 23-21 victory in the all-Indian women's singles final against PV Sindhu. With Srikanth's feat, India continues to stand third in the points table with 65 medals, including 26 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze medals. (With inputs from ANI)

Kidambi Srikanth settles for silver at CWG 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">Inflation falls for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">third</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104"> straight month, is at 4.28% in March</a>

Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-shuttler-kidambi-srikanth-is-new-world-no-1-130094">Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1</a>

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">'Laziness, incompetence' of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">previous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089"> govt hurt India's defence: Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-could-face-us-aid-cuts-over-human-trafficking-sources-130086">Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources</a>

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-has-proof-assad-regime-behind-syria-chemical-attack-130110">Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack</a>

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Inflation falls for third straight month, is at 4.28% in March Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today. Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 'Laziness, incompetence' of previous govt hurt India's defence: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets. Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said. Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.

25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen&nbsp;to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015.

Srikanth defeated three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in straight games in the crucial mixed team final to clinch gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast.

"I'm definitely delighted to have achieved the World No. 1 ranking for the first time, and to become the first Indian man after Prakash sir to achieve this," said Srikanth.

Srikanth thanked his mentor, coaches and family, said, "It's a testament to the hard work of Gopi sir, my family, my other coaches and support staff, my team GoSports Foundation, my sponsors, and everyone else who has believed in me over the years."

"It's been a great year, but I have many more goals, and right now, my focus is on coming good at the big events and achieving many more milestones. The Commonwealth Games is on, and this year also holds the Asian Games," he further added.

Recently in February, he was crowned Sportsperson of the Year at the third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA).

"My target is also to do my country proud at the Tokyo Olympics in two years' time. I thank everyone for believing in me, and hope to inspire many other Indians to keep striving in their pursuit of excellence," added Srikanth who is looking forward to winning his first individual medal at the ongoing CWG.

&nbsp;

25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 25-year-old Srikanth displaced Denmark’s Victor Axelsen to be atop of BWF world rankings and became only the second Indian after Saina Nehwal, who had occupied the women's top spot in 2015. Srikanth defeated three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in straight games in the crucial mixed team final to clinch gold at the 21st Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast. "I'm definitely delighted to have achieved the World No. 1 ranking for the first time, and to become the first Indian man after Prakash sir to achieve this," said Srikanth. Srikanth thanked his mentor, coaches and family, said, "It's a testament to the hard work of Gopi sir, my family, my other coaches and support staff, my team GoSports Foundation, my sponsors, and everyone else who has believed in me over the years." "It's been a great year, but I have many more goals, and right now, my focus is on coming good at the big events and achieving many more milestones. The Commonwealth Games is on, and this year also holds the Asian Games," he further added. Recently in February, he was crowned Sportsperson of the Year at the third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA). "My target is also to do my country proud at the Tokyo Olympics in two years' time. I thank everyone for believing in me, and hope to inspire many other Indians to keep striving in their pursuit of excellence," added Srikanth who is looking forward to winning his first individual medal at the ongoing CWG.

Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1

A star-studded Indian badminton team will begin its quest for a maiden gold medal when they take on minnows Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the mixed team championship on the opening day of the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Thursday.

India have been accorded the top seed this time and are clubbed with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Scotland in Group A.

With the likes of Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu, world no 2 Kidambi Srikanth and a promising men's doubles pair of Satwik Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty in their ranks, formidable India will hardly break any sweat en route to the knockout stage.

Silver medallists in 2010, India had narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 2014 Glasgow Games after losing to Singapore in the medal play-off and Pullela Gopichand coached team would look to make amends.

India is a formidable side and the only countries likely to trouble them are three-time champions Malaysia and England, who have won the gold six times.

Mayalsia, who clinched the gold in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions, have three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in singles and a strong men's doubles combination of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong.

England, on the other hand, have Rajiv Ouseph in singles and a formidable mixed doubles husband-wife combination of Chris Adcock and Gabriella Adcock. Singapore too are likely to reach the semifinals with their young 10-member squad.

With Sindhu suffering an ankle strain just a week ahead of the Games, Saina Nehwal will take the court tomorrow against Sri Lanka's Madushika Dilrukshi Beruwelage at the Carrara Sports Arena in the women's singles.

The former world no 1, who had threatened to pull out to ensure that her father Harvir Singh gets an accreditation, will have to put behind that fiasco when she features in the morning match tomorrow.

The clash against lightweight Sri Lanka will begin with Pranaav Chopra and Ruthvika Gadde taking on Sachin Dias and Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa in the mixed doubles.

In the men's singles, Srikanth, who won four titles last season, will then take on London Olympian Niluka Karunaratne but he is unlikely to be stretched by his rival, whom the Indian had beaten in the Glasgow edition as well.

Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will then face Buwaneka Goonethilleka and Dinuka Karunaratna in men's doubles, while Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy will lock horns with Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage in women's doubles.

India will cross swords with Pakistan in the evening.

Silver medallists in 2010, India had narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 2014 Glasgow Games.

A star-studded Indian badminton team will begin its quest for a maiden gold medal when they take on minnows Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the mixed team championship on the opening day of the 21st Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Thursday. India have been accorded the top seed this time and are clubbed with Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Scotland in Group A. With the likes of Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu, world no 2 Kidambi Srikanth and a promising men's doubles pair of Satwik Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty in their ranks, formidable India will hardly break any sweat en route to the knockout stage. Silver medallists in 2010, India had narrowly missed a bronze medal in the 2014 Glasgow Games after losing to Singapore in the medal play-off and Pullela Gopichand coached team would look to make amends. India is a formidable side and the only countries likely to trouble them are three-time champions Malaysia and England, who have won the gold six times. Mayalsia, who clinched the gold in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions, have three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei in singles and a strong men's doubles combination of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong. England, on the other hand, have Rajiv Ouseph in singles and a formidable mixed doubles husband-wife combination of Chris Adcock and Gabriella Adcock. Singapore too are likely to reach the semifinals with their young 10-member squad. With Sindhu suffering an ankle strain just a week ahead of the Games, Saina Nehwal will take the court tomorrow against Sri Lanka's Madushika Dilrukshi Beruwelage at the Carrara Sports Arena in the women's singles. The former world no 1, who had threatened to pull out to ensure that her father Harvir Singh gets an accreditation, will have to put behind that fiasco when she features in the morning match tomorrow. The clash against lightweight Sri Lanka will begin with Pranaav Chopra and Ruthvika Gadde taking on Sachin Dias and Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa in the mixed doubles. In the men's singles, Srikanth, who won four titles last season, will then take on London Olympian Niluka Karunaratne but he is unlikely to be stretched by his rival, whom the Indian had beaten in the Glasgow edition as well. Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will then face Buwaneka Goonethilleka and Dinuka Karunaratna in men's doubles, while Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy will lock horns with Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage in women's doubles. India will cross swords with Pakistan in the evening.

2018 Commonwealth Games: India begins quest for coveted gold in mixed team badminton event

Ace Men Singles's shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Tuesday was conferred with the country's fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Besides Kidambi, former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman and first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar also received the awards.

World No. 2 Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> presents Padma Shri to Shri Kidambi Srikanth. He is the first Indian badminton player to win the golden trio of Grand Prix gold, Super Series and Super Series Premier titles <a href="https://t.co/rmiyg8vbDX">pic.twitter.com/rmiyg8vbDX</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/976125844862115841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He became the first Indian Badminton player to win the golden trio which is Grand Prix Gold, Super Series, and Super Series Premier titles.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This year, former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were conferred with the country's third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan.&nbsp;

This year, as many as 85 Padma awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one).&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> presents Padma Shri to Dr Joyasree Goswami Mahanta in the field of Literature & Education. A writer, educationist and social worker from Assam, Dr Mahanta highlights various facets of the society through her literary work <a href="https://t.co/IS7fPOtfcm">pic.twitter.com/IS7fPOtfcm</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> presents Padma Shri to Shri Amitava Roy in the field of Science & Engineering. He is a Nuclear Scientist specialising in spent fuel reprocessing & radioactive nuclear waste management <a href="https://t.co/858yPoekaU">pic.twitter.com/858yPoekaU</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/976131633689448449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/976131633689448449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

World No. 2 Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton

Ace Men Singles's shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Tuesday was conferred with the country's fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Besides Kidambi, former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman and first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar also received the awards. World No. 2 Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton. #PresidentKovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Kidambi Srikanth. He is the first Indian badminton player to win the golden trio of Grand Prix gold, Super Series and Super Series Premier titles pic.twitter.com/rmiyg8vbDX — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 20, 2018 × He became the first Indian Badminton player to win the golden trio which is Grand Prix Gold, Super Series, and Super Series Premier titles. This year, former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were conferred with the country's third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan. This year, as many as 85 Padma awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one). #PresidentKovind presents Padma Shri to Dr Joyasree Goswami Mahanta in the field of Literature & Education. A writer, educationist and social worker from Assam, Dr Mahanta highlights various facets of the society through her literary work pic.twitter.com/IS7fPOtfcm — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 20, 2018 × #PresidentKovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Amitava Roy in the field of Science & Engineering. He is a Nuclear Scientist specialising in spent fuel reprocessing & radioactive nuclear waste management pic.twitter.com/858yPoekaU — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 20, 2018 × #PresidentKovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Amitava Roy in the field of Science & Engineering. He is a Nuclear Scientist specialising in spent fuel reprocessing & radioactive nuclear waste management pic.twitter.com/858yPoekaU — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 20, 2018 ×

Kidambi Srikanth conferred with Padma Shri award

Ace Men Singles&#39;s shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Tuesday was conferred with the country&#39;s fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Besides Kidambi, former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman and first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar also received the awards.

World No. 2 Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PresidentKovind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PresidentKovind</a> presents Padma Shri to Shri Kidambi Srikanth. He is the first Indian badminton player to win the golden trio of Grand Prix gold, Super Series and Super Series Premier titles <a href="https://t.co/rmiyg8vbDX">pic.twitter.com/rmiyg8vbDX</a>
&mdash; President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/976125844862115841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He became the first Indian Badminton player to win the golden trio which is Grand Prix Gold, Super Series, and Super Series Premier titles.&nbsp;

This year, former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were conferred with the country&#39;s third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan.&nbsp;

This year, as many as 85 Padma awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one).&nbsp;

Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton

Ace Men Singles's shuttler Kidambi Srikanth on Tuesday was conferred with the country's fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Besides Kidambi, former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman and first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar also received the awards. World No. 2 Srikanth has been honoured for his achievements in the field of Badminton. #PresidentKovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Kidambi Srikanth. He is the first Indian badminton player to win the golden trio of Grand Prix gold, Super Series and Super Series Premier titles pic.twitter.com/rmiyg8vbDX — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 20, 2018 × He became the first Indian Badminton player to win the golden trio which is Grand Prix Gold, Super Series, and Super Series Premier titles. This year, former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were conferred with the country's third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan. This year, as many as 85 Padma awards were announced, including two duo cases (in a duo case, the award is counted as one).

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were today conferred with the country&#39;s third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan.

Besides the duo, 2017 World Weightlifting Champion in the 48kg category, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman were conferred with the Padma Shri award.

Ace men&#39;s singles shuttler Kidambi Srikanth also won the Padma Shri alongside India&#39;s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-the-list-of-padma-shri-awardees-for-2018-30779">Also read:&nbsp;Padma Awards 2018 announced: Full list of recipients</a>

Petkar won an individual gold medal at the 1972 Summer Paralympics, in Heidelberg, Germany. He set a world record in the 50 m freestyle swimming event, at 37.33 seconds.

In the same games, he participated in javelin, precision javelin throw and slalom. He was a finalist in all three events.

Dhoni has been the recipient of many awards, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2007 and the Padma Shri, India&#39;s fourth highest civilian honour in 2009.

Considered as the country&#39;s most successful cricket captain, Dhoni led India to two World Cup triumphs -- in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 held in South Africa in September 2007 and the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup. India also won ICC Champions Trophy under him.

It was under his captaincy that India climbed to No. 1 in the ICC Test Rankings in December 2009.

Just like Dhoni, Advani also has a distinguished career, having won gold twice in Asian Games in 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou. He is also a multiple world champion.

Currently ranked third in the BWF rankings, Srikkanth is looked upon as a future Olympic champion shuttler.

The 24-year-old shuttler&#39;s real rise came last season when he won as many as six titles including four Super Series titles. He won the French Open, Denmark Open, Australian Open, Indonesia Open, India Open and China Open.

A product of Pullela Gopichand badminton academy in Hyderabad, Srikkanth also finished runners-up in last year&#39;s Singapore Open.

Manipuri weightlifter Mirabai Chanu claim to fame includes a silver medal in the women&#39;s 48kg weight class at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow.

But her real claim to fame came last year when she lifted a world record of 194kg in total (85 kg snatch and 109 kg clean &amp; jerk) to win the gold in the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships held at Anaheim, CA, United States.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Ace men's singles shuttler Kidambi Srikanth also won the Padma Shri alongside India's first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and multiple world champion cueist Pankaj Advani were today conferred with the country's third-highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan. Besides the duo, 2017 World Weightlifting Champion in the 48kg category, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and former Asian Games gold medallist tennis player Somdev Devvarman were conferred with the Padma Shri award. Ace men's singles shuttler Kidambi Srikanth also won the Padma Shri alongside India's first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. Also read: Padma Awards 2018 announced: Full list of recipients Petkar won an individual gold medal at the 1972 Summer Paralympics, in Heidelberg, Germany. He set a world record in the 50 m freestyle swimming event, at 37.33 seconds. In the same games, he participated in javelin, precision javelin throw and slalom. He was a finalist in all three events. Dhoni has been the recipient of many awards, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first player to win the award twice), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 2007 and the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour in 2009. Considered as the country's most successful cricket captain, Dhoni led India to two World Cup triumphs -- in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 held in South Africa in September 2007 and the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup. India also won ICC Champions Trophy under him. It was under his captaincy that India climbed to No. 1 in the ICC Test Rankings in December 2009. Just like Dhoni, Advani also has a distinguished career, having won gold twice in Asian Games in 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou. He is also a multiple world champion. Currently ranked third in the BWF rankings, Srikkanth is looked upon as a future Olympic champion shuttler. The 24-year-old shuttler's real rise came last season when he won as many as six titles including four Super Series titles. He won the French Open, Denmark Open, Australian Open, Indonesia Open, India Open and China Open. A product of Pullela Gopichand badminton academy in Hyderabad, Srikkanth also finished runners-up in last year's Singapore Open. Manipuri weightlifter Mirabai Chanu claim to fame includes a silver medal in the women's 48kg weight class at the 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. But her real claim to fame came last year when she lifted a world record of 194kg in total (85 kg snatch and 109 kg clean & jerk) to win the gold in the 2017 World Weightlifting Championships held at Anaheim, CA, United States.

MS Dhoni, Pankaj Advani win Padma Bhushan

Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu notched up a comfortable straight-game win to make it to the knockout stage but Kidambi Srikanth slumped to his second consecutive loss to crash out of the Dubai Super Series Final here today.

World No 3 Sindhu took just 36 minutes to outplay Sayaka Sato of Japan 21-13 21-12 and register her second straight win at the USD 1 million event.

The 22-year-old Indian yesterday defeated World No 9 He Bingjiao of China in her campaign opener.

Thus, Sindhu now has two wins from as many matches, same as World No 2 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi. And both of them have booked a berth each at the knockouts in women&#39;s singles.

Sindhu and Yamaguchi will clash with each other in their last and final Group A match tomorrow.

However, it was all over for Srikanth today as he lost to Chinese Taipei&#39;s Chou Tien Chen to bow out of the tournament.

Even though he still has a match left in Group B, Srikanth virtually has no chance of making the next stage.

Having suffered a defeat to World No. 1 and defending champion Viktor Axelsen in his opening match yesterday, Srikanth failed to improve upon his game and went down 18-21 18-21 against Chinese Taipei&#39;s Chou Tien Chen.

World No 7 Chou took 43 minutes to stun the fourth-ranked Indian in a Group B men&#39;s singles match.

Srikanth will face All England Open finalist Shi Yuqi of China tomorrow in his final match of Group B.

Shi Yuqi, who had defeated Chou in his opening match yesterday, eked out a 13-21 21-18 21-17 win over World No 1 and defending champion Viktor Axelsen today to top Group B.

The in-form Shi Yuqi will be hoping to beat Srikanth also tomorrow, but even if the Indian manage to get the better of the World No 8 Chinese in straight games, it would not be possible for him to make the cut.

Whoever between Axelsen and Chou wins tomorrow will advance to the knockouts as the second player from Group B after Shi Yuqi.

Sindhu, who had defeated World No 15 Sayaka twice this season, dominated the match from start to finish today.

After breaking away from a 3-3 tie, Sindhu simply surged ahead and continued to extend her lead to win the first game without much ado.

The second game was no different as Sindhu never gave her rival a chance to even pose a threat. The Indian kept on marching ahead, even as the Japanese fell far behind.

However, Srikanth failed to bring out his top game again as he lagged behind from the very beginning.

Having conceded a 0-5 lead in the opener, Srikanth was always playing the catch-up game and eventually lost the first game 18-21.

Although he put up a better performance in the second game, Srikanth could not sustain the momentum till the end.

Despite leading 17-14 at one stage, Srikanth allowed his Taiwanese opponent gain three straight points and catch him at 17-17.

At 18-18, the Taiwan player reeled off three crucial points to wrap up the match in style.&nbsp;

World No 3 Sindhu took just 36 minutes to outplay Sayaka Sato of Japan 21-13 21-12 and register her second straight win at the USD 1 million event

Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu notched up a comfortable straight-game win to make it to the knockout stage but Kidambi Srikanth slumped to his second consecutive loss to crash out of the Dubai Super Series Final here today. World No 3 Sindhu took just 36 minutes to outplay Sayaka Sato of Japan 21-13 21-12 and register her second straight win at the USD 1 million event. The 22-year-old Indian yesterday defeated World No 9 He Bingjiao of China in her campaign opener. Thus, Sindhu now has two wins from as many matches, same as World No 2 Japanese Akane Yamaguchi. And both of them have booked a berth each at the knockouts in women's singles. Sindhu and Yamaguchi will clash with each other in their last and final Group A match tomorrow. However, it was all over for Srikanth today as he lost to Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen to bow out of the tournament. Even though he still has a match left in Group B, Srikanth virtually has no chance of making the next stage. Having suffered a defeat to World No. 1 and defending champion Viktor Axelsen in his opening match yesterday, Srikanth failed to improve upon his game and went down 18-21 18-21 against Chinese Taipei's Chou Tien Chen. World No 7 Chou took 43 minutes to stun the fourth-ranked Indian in a Group B men's singles match. Srikanth will face All England Open finalist Shi Yuqi of China tomorrow in his final match of Group B. Shi Yuqi, who had defeated Chou in his opening match yesterday, eked out a 13-21 21-18 21-17 win over World No 1 and defending champion Viktor Axelsen today to top Group B. The in-form Shi Yuqi will be hoping to beat Srikanth also tomorrow, but even if the Indian manage to get the better of the World No 8 Chinese in straight games, it would not be possible for him to make the cut. Whoever between Axelsen and Chou wins tomorrow will advance to the knockouts as the second player from Group B after Shi Yuqi. Sindhu, who had defeated World No 15 Sayaka twice this season, dominated the match from start to finish today. After breaking away from a 3-3 tie, Sindhu simply surged ahead and continued to extend her lead to win the first game without much ado. The second game was no different as Sindhu never gave her rival a chance to even pose a threat. The Indian kept on marching ahead, even as the Japanese fell far behind. However, Srikanth failed to bring out his top game again as he lagged behind from the very beginning. Having conceded a 0-5 lead in the opener, Srikanth was always playing the catch-up game and eventually lost the first game 18-21. Although he put up a better performance in the second game, Srikanth could not sustain the momentum till the end. Despite leading 17-14 at one stage, Srikanth allowed his Taiwanese opponent gain three straight points and catch him at 17-17. At 18-18, the Taiwan player reeled off three crucial points to wrap up the match in style.

Dubai Super Series Final: Sindhu advances, Srikanth bows out

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BWF World Championships: Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth win in quarters, set up all-Indian semi-final

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