Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth have progressed into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in the women's and men's singles competition respectively on Thursday. But, another female shuttler, Tanvi Lad was knocked out of the Australian Open.
Saina Nehwal has been using this competition as a major build-up for the Rio Olympics 2016, which is scheduled to start on Aug. 5. The Indian shuttler has looked good in the first two rounds of the competition, including her second-round performance against Jin Wei Goh, winning it in straight games, 21-12, 21-14. Saina was equally good in the opening round, defeating Joy Lai, 21-10, 21-14.
However, her biggest test for Saina is going to lie against Ratchanak Intanon in the quarterfinals of the competition on Friday. It is such matches where Saina needs to take her game to the next level, and progress further in the competition, which is not going to be easy.
There will be pressure on the Indian star after PV Sindhu lost in the first round, and Tanvi followed suit in the second. Tanvi lost to Wang Yihan, 21-18, 21-6. Saina is the only singles female player from India left in the Australian Open.
In the men's singles, Kidambi Srikanth has not been impressive this season, but has progressed to the last eight after defeating Soni Dwi Kuncoro in straight games, 21-19, 21-12. The Indian player, who will also feature in the Rio Olympics, has a good chance of progressing through to the semifinals as he will meet 84th-ranked Kwang Hee Heo on Friday.
