All England Championships: PV Sindhu goes out despite spirited display
India's badminton ace PV Sindhu bowed out of the All England Championships after putting up a spirited display against Sung Ji Hyun at Arena Birmingham on Wednesday. Sindhu lost the first round encounter 16-21, 22-20, 18-21. The fifth seed showed her resolute character in patches but made too many unforced errors to surrender the match. Here is more.
Great precision from the Korean
How did the match unfold between Sindhu and Hyun?
The 23-year-old Sindhu had a 8-6 head-to-head record coming into this match. She fought back twice from the brink, but had a lot to do in the decider. After being overplayed in the first game, Sindhu rallied on in the second, despite Hyun bringing up three match point opportunities for herself. In the third game, Sindhu saved five match points, but perished ultimately.
Sai Praneeth outsmarts HS Prannoy
Meanwhile in the men's section, B Sai Praneeth advanced to the second round of All England Championships after knocking out his compatriot HS Prannoy. Praneeth needed just 52 minutes to beat Prannoy 21-19, 21-19 to stake a claim. He will face Hong Kong's NG Ka Long Angus, who overcame Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia 21-18, 13-21, 21-11.
Sai Praneeth reacts after his victory
Focus shifts to Saina and Srikanth in Birmingham
No Indian has won the prestigious All England since Pullela Gopichand in 2001. A lot of hopes were pinned on the trio of Sindhu, Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth. With Sindhu's exit, the focus shifts to Saina and Srikanth. Eighth seed Saina will start her campaign against Scotland's Kristy Gilmour. Meanwhile, Srikanth will face Frenchman Brice Leverdez in the opening round.
