It was a mixed day for India in the Indonesia Open on Thursday, where top women shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu were knocked out while Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy defeated top-seeded players.
Both the winners from India have thus moved into the quarterfinals of the Indonesia Open. Prannoy will face Chen Long while Srikanth is set to meet Tzu Wei Wang on Friday.
Prannoy should be unfazed with the prospect of facing Long, who is one of the best players in the circuit, especially after the Indian defeated top seed Lee Chong Wei in straight sets. Prannoy has gained huge confidence with the win, and will be eager to carry that form against Long. But the Chinese player is an excellent shuttler and his Indian rival will have to be consistent to knock out another top player.
Long has an excellent record against Prannoy, who has not won a single game against the Chinese star so far. The Indian shuttler will be keen to change that record during their quarterfinals clash.
Besides Prannoy, India badminton fans will also be looking forward to some good display by Srikanth, who will face Chinese Taipei's Tzu Wei Wang.
Srikanth, who showed the exit doors to the fourth seed Jan O Jorgensen, will also have his guard up when he faces Wang on Friday. If Srikanth comes up with a display as he did against Jorgensen, the Indian shuttler should have it easy.
However, there is nothing much to choose from between these two players. They have only met once in their career, where Srikanth emerged victorious, in 2015.
With two Indian shuttlers in the fray for India, it remains to be seen if both of them can come up with another stunning performance to reach the semifinals of the Indonesia Open.
Where to watch live
HS Prannoy vs Chen Long is scheduled for 2:30 pm IST. Kidambi Srikanth vs Tzu Wei Wang is tentatively scheduled for 3:20 pm IST.
India viewers can watch Indonesia Open live on Star Sports 2/HD with live streaming on Hotstar.
The live scores can be followed here
