Singapore Open Super Series: Pranaav-Sikki reach main draw

India’s B Sai Praneeth crashed out of the men’s singles qualifiers but mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy advanced to the main draw of the Singapore Open Super Series here today. Praneeth had won the opening match against Indonesia’s Wibowo Kho Henrikho 21-11 21-10 but lost to another Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro 18-21 12-21 to bow out of the competition.

Pranaav and Sikki, however, saw off local pair of Bimo Adi Prakoso and Citra Dewi Sari 21-13 21-10. They had beaten another Singaporean combo of Guang Liang Jason Wong and Yi Ling Elaine Chua 21-15 21-11 earlier in the day. The Indian combo will next take on Indonesia’s Irfan Fadhilah and Weni Anggraini.

There was heartbreak in store for RMV Gurusaidutt also after he went down fighting to Zulfadli Zulkiffli of Malaysia 14-21 21-16 17-21 in another men’s singles qualifier match.

With Saina Nehwal withdrawing at the last moment, P V Sindhu will lead the Indian challenge. Among others, K Srikanth, H S Prannoy and Ajay Jayaram will have their eyes on the ranking list as they are yet to seal their berth for the Rio Olympics.