PV Sindhu marches on, Srikanth and Prannoy fall as Arctic Open delivers contrasting fortunes for India
PV Sindhu as soon as once more confirmed her capacity to lift the depth when it mattered most, overcoming Japan’s Riko Gunji in straight video games to storm into the ladies’s singles quarter-finals of the Arctic Open 2026 on Thursday.The sixth-seeded Indian, a two-time Olympic medallist, prevailed 21-15, 21-15 in 49 minutes on the BWF Super 500 occasion. Sindhu will now face high seed and former globe champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand for a spot within the semi-finals.
Sindhu turns it on at essential moments
The opening recreation was carefully contested, with neither participant capable of set up a transparent benefit. Gunji stayed alongside Sindhu till the rating reached 15-all. That was when the Indian discovered one other gear.Sindhu reeled off six factors in a row to close down Gunji’s problem and take the opening recreation 21-15. The second recreation adopted an identical sample. Gunji as soon as once more stayed inside touching distance, with the 2 gamers stage at 13-all.But Sindhu remained composed when the strain elevated. The Indian gained eight of the following 10 factors to shut out the sport 21-15 and seal her place within the final eight.The victory units up a stern quarter-final check in opposition to Intanon, who comes into the conflict because the event’s high seed and a former globe champion.
Srikanth squanders early benefit
It was a contrasting day for India’s males’s singles gamers, with World Championships medallists Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy each struggling first-round defeats. World No. 31 Srikanth made an encouraging begin in opposition to Canada’s globe No. 34 Brian Yang, taking the opening recreation 21-15.However, Yang responded strongly and step by step took management of the competition. The Canadian gained the second recreation by the identical 21-15 margin earlier than finishing the comeback with a 21-13 win within the decider.Srikanth’s problem thus ended after a three-game battle.
Prannoy outplayed by Antonsen
Prannoy, ranked thirty eighth within the globe, had a tougher outing in opposition to fourth-seeded Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen. The Indian struggled to match Antonsen’s tempo and consistency because the Dane dominated proceedings from the outset.Antonsen wrapped up the competition 21-10, 21-9 to ship Prannoy out within the opening spherical.
