Mixed Fortunes for India on Day 2 of Malaysia Masters 2024

India experienced a day of mixed results on the second day of the Malaysia Masters 2024, with several notable victories but also some disappointing losses. The day saw key wins from PV Sindhu, Kiran George, and Ashmita Chaliha, while the young mixed doubles pair Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath faced defeat.

PV Sindhu marked a significant milestone in her illustrious career, achieving her 450th win in the BWF women’s singles circuit. She secured this historic victory against Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour in straight games, with a scoreline of 21-17, 21-16. Despite conceding the first point of the match, Sindhu quickly found her rhythm, taking control and leading 11-5 at the interval. Although Gilmour managed to level the score at 15-15, Sindhu closed out the first game 21-17.

The second game followed a similar pattern, with Sindhu leading by five points at the interval and maintaining her dominance throughout. Gilmour saved four match points but ultimately succumbed to Sindhu’s pressure. Sindhu will now face Korea’s Sim Yu Jin in the pre-quarterfinals.

Kiran George Upsets Higher-Ranked Opponent

In the men’s singles, Kiran George delivered a standout performance, defeating the higher-ranked Takuma Obayashi of Japan in straight sets, 21-16, 21-17. George’s explosive gameplay set up an exciting matchup against the number six seed, Lee Zii Jia, in the next round.

Ashmita Chaliha’s Strong Performance

World number 53 Ashmita Chaliha also progressed to the next round, defeating Taiwan’s Lin Sih-Yun with a final scoreline of 21-17, 21-16. After a close first game, Chaliha surged ahead from a 16-16 tie to take the game. She maintained a slight edge in the second game, ultimately winning three consecutive points to close out the match. Chaliha will face Beiwen Zhang from the United States in the next round.

Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles Victories

In the men’s doubles, Krishna Prasad Garaga and Sai Pratheek K. secured a straight-game victory against Ming Che Lu and Tang Kai Wei of Chinese Taipei, with a scoreline of 23-21, 21-11.

In mixed doubles, the pair of Sumeeth B. Reddy and Sikki Reddy overcame Hong Kong’s Lui Chun Wai and Fu Chi Yan in a thrilling three-game match, winning 21-15, 12-21, 21-17.

Despite their best efforts, some Indian players faced defeats. Aakarshi Kashyap put up a tough fight against China’s number two seed Wang Zhi Yi but ultimately lost with a scoreline of 24-22, 21-13. Unnati Hooda also lost to Gao Fang Jie of China in straight games, 21-13, 21-18, after a competitive fight.

The young mixed doubles duo of Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath were defeated by the number six seeds from Indonesia, Dejan Ferdinansyah and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja, with a scoreline of 21-16, 21-13.

As the tournament progresses, Indian players who have advanced will look to build on their momentum. PV Sindhu, in particular, will aim to continue her winning ways as she faces Sim Yu Jin in the pre-quarterfinals. Kiran George and Ashmita Chaliha also have challenging matches ahead, which will test their skills for sure.