Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth are continuing from where they left off after clinching the India Open Super Series, as they have progressed into the second round of the Malaysia Open as well.
KIdambi Srikanth had a tricky affair against British player Rajiv Ouseph, who played a good game against the Indian as the match stretched to three sets with the score reading 21-10, 15-21 and 24-22.
The Indian was expected to win the first round encounter in straight sets, but Ouseph came back in the second set with some impressive display. The match went right down to the wire in the final set, which could have gone either way.
But, this match might have come at the right time for the Indian, as he can concentrate more on the future games and understand the competitive nature of the tournament.
The Swiss Open Champion will face Tian Houwei from China, who came up with a dominant display over qualifier, Zulfadli Zulkiffli, as the Chinese demolished him in straight sets. The score read 21-5 and 21-7.
The Indian might have been in terrific form of late, but cannot take the Chinese lightly, who won the Australian Open Grand Prix Gold and London Grand Prix Gold in 2013.
Another Indian, Nehwal, who has looked in top form beat his opponent Maria Febe Kusumastuti in straight sets- 21-13 and 21-16. The Indian has been showing some great form, as she did not lose a single set in the India Open Super series, and she has started this tournament in a similar fashion.
It would be an incredible ride, if the player can maintain the same in this tournament as well.
Current world number one Nehwal will meet qualifier Yao Xue, who should not pose much of a problem to the Indian, who has been consistent of late. The best thing about Nehwal is the fact that she does not take her opponents easily and hence focuses on all the game with similar concentration level.
The Hyderabadi girl is one of the favourites to win the title, but she will face major competition from other top players in the circuit.
Her biggest test could be Li Xuerui in the semi-finals of the competition, if they both win their next match along with the quarter-finals.
Apart from the two Indians mentioned above, HS Prannoy and Parupalli Kashyap defeated their respective opponents to reach the second round of the competition. Prannoy will face Lin Dan in the next round.
Overall, it was a day well spent for India at the Malaysia Open.
Where to Watch Live
The Malaysia Open Super Series Premier Live starts at 1pm local time (10:30am IST, 1 am ET and 1am GMT).
Viewers in India can watch the Live coverage on Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD with live streaming option on Starsports.com from 2:30pm.
Live updates of all the matches during the competition can be followed in the tournament's official website.
