New Delhi, December 23
Comeback man Kidambi Srikanth might clash with Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in a rematch of their World Championships final after being drawn in the same half, while PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen received easy draws at the India Open to be held from January 11 to 16.
Top seed Srikanth, who regained his place in the world’s top-10, will open his campaign against compatriot Siril Verma and is likely to get another chance to avenge his loss against world champion Loh as they are drawn to clash in the semifinals.
No. 1 seed Sindhu will look to claim her first title of the new year when she opens against compatriot Sri Krishna Priya Kudaravalli. The 26-year-old could face Russian fifth seed Evgeniya Kosetskaya in the last-eight stage.
Fourth seed Saina Nehwal, who endured a tough year plagued with multiple injuries, is likely to square off against seventh seed Iris Wang of USA in the quarterfinals and second seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the semifinals.
In-form Sen, the bronze medallist at the World Championships, will start against Egypt’s Adham Elgamal and could face compatriot HS Prannoy in the quarters.
Prannoy, who is making a comeback after battling post-Covid affects, is set to kickstart his challenge against Spaniard Pablo Abian.
Second seed B Sai Praneeth would also be looking to start the year on a high as he opens against Spain’s Luis Penalver. — PTI
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