Bangkok: Kidambi Srikanth, one of the main architects of India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph, exited from the Thailand Open after handing a walkover to his opponent in the men’s singles second round match here on Thursday.
Srikanth, seeded eighth, gave a walkover to his Irish rival Nhat Nguyen. The reason for his withdrawal is not yet known.
The world no. 11 Indian had earlier produced a gritty show to get the better of Brice Leverdez of France 18-21 21-10 21-16 in his opening round match.
In the women’s singles, it was curtains for Malvika Bansod, who lost 21-16 14-21 14-21 to Line Christopherson of Denmark in the second round.
The Indian mixed doubles pair of Ishaan Bhatnagar and Tanisha Crasto also bowed out in the second round, losing 19-21 20-22 against sixth seeded Malaysia combination of Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie.
Later, Ashwini Bhat K and Shikha Gautam too crashed out in the women’s doubles second round, losing 19-21 6-21 against fifth seeds Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, seeded sixth and ranked seventh in the world, will face Sim Yu Jin, who had played a pivotal role in Korea’s Uber Cup win.
Sindhu had staved off a spirited challenge from world number 62, USA’s Lauren Lam, in the opening round.
—PTI

Press Trust of India