Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen have stormed into the second round of the Canada Open 2023 BWF Super 500 event in Calgary. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, comfortably defeated Talia Ng of Canada, while Sen, the Commonwealth Games 2022 champion, overcame Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in their respective matches.
Sindhu started strongly against Ng, taking an early lead. The Canadian player fought back, but Sindhu’s powerful smashes helped her secure the first game. In the second game, Sindhu dominated from the start and extended her lead with a series of points, eventually winning the match 21-16, 21-9. She will face Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira in the round of 16.
On the other hand, Sen faced a tough challenge from the fourth-ranked Vitidsarn. The match was closely contested, with both players displaying their skills. However, Sen remained composed and took the first game, maintaining his momentum throughout. In a hard-fought second game, Sen delivered in the crucial moments and sealed the victory with a score of 21-18, 21-15. His next opponent will be Brazil’s Ygor Coelho.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t good news for all Indian players as B Sai Praneeth and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani exited the tournament after losing their matches. Praneeth was defeated by Coelho, who will now face Sen in the next round. Shivani, on the other hand, lost to Thailand’s Supanida Katethong in the women’s singles.
The Canada Open 2023 is the fourth Super 500 tournament on the BWF World Tour calendar this year, following the Indonesia Masters, Malaysia Masters, and the Thailand Open.
The performances of Sindhu and Sen in the Canada Open have demonstrated their strong form and determination to excel in the international badminton circuit. Sindhu’s previous achievements, including her two Olympic medals, have established her as one of India’s most successful sports stars. Meanwhile, Sen’s victory at the Commonwealth Games has marked him as a rising star in Indian badminton.
Their triumphs in Calgary also reflect the growing prominence of Indian shuttlers on the global stage. Indian badminton players have consistently showcased their skills and have been making their mark in various prestigious tournaments worldwide.
As the Canada Open 2023 continues, fans eagerly await the next-round matches involving Sindhu, Sen, and other Indian players. With their exceptional talent and determination, Sindhu and Sen have the potential to achieve further success in the tournament and continue to raise the profile of Indian badminton on the international scene.
