New Delhi: India’s challenge in the singles events at the Indonesia Open came to an end on Thursday, but the men’s doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi Arjun ensured the country remained in contention with a gritty quarter-final berth.
With Indian singles players exiting the tournament, Hariharan and Arjun emerged as the lone bright spot, battling back from a game down to secure a hard-fought victory over Malaysia’s A. Tai and K. X. Kang in the men’s doubles pre-quarterfinals, according to reports.
The Indian duo lost the opening game 16-21 but responded strongly to take the second 21-15. They then held their nerve in a closely contested decider to seal a 16-21, 21-15, 21-19 win and advance to the last eight.
Earlier, PV Sindhu’s campaign ended in the women’s singles Round of 16 after a straight-game defeat to world No. 1 An Se Young of South Korea.
The two-time Olympic medallist stayed competitive for long stretches of the opening game and produced several attacking winners. However, An once again proved superior in the key moments, claiming a 21-17, 21-15 victory to move into the quarter-finals.
Sindhu’s defeat extended the South Korean star’s dominance over the Indian shuttler and ended India’s hopes in the women’s singles draw.
India’s remaining singles challenge rested on Ayush Shetty, who made a promising start against Hong Kong China’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals.
The 21-year-old took the opening game 21-16 with an assured display and looked set for a major upset. However, Lee gradually gained control of the rallies and levelled the contest by winning the second game 21-13.
Ayush began the deciding game positively, but the experienced Hong Kong player produced a strong run of points to take command and eventually completed a 16-21, 21-13, 21-14 comeback victory.
