Indian shuttlers Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma were eliminated from the USD 950,000 French Open badminton tournament following contrasting second-round defeats in Paris on Thursday. Both players bowed out at the pre-quarterfinal stage after running into top-seeded opposition on the court.
- Tanvi Sharma fell 11-21, 14-21 against South Korea’s world No. 1 An Se Young in 37 minutes.
- Ayush Shetty retired hurt against Japan’s sixth seed Kodai Naraoka while trailing 17-21, 6-11.
- Shetty had earlier progressed to the second round by beating compatriot Kidambi Srikanth.
- PV Sindhu and Ashmita Chaliha remain in contention in the women’s singles draw in Paris.
Tough Tests Against Elite Opponents
Tanvi took to the court first in women’s singles action against South Korea’s An Se Young, who entered the contest as the tournament’s top seed and reigning world number one. The Indian challenger found the going difficult from the opening exchanges, as An asserted control over the tempo and dictated long rallies. Tanvi fought hard to extend points, but the South Korean superstar wrapped up a commanding 21-11, 21-14 victory in just 37 minutes to claim her quarterfinal ticket.
In the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals, Shetty’s promising run came to an unfortunate halt against sixth seed Kodai Naraoka of Japan. Shetty, who had earned an impressive win against senior compatriot Kidambi Srikanth in the first round, competed strongly during the early stages of the contest. Naraoka managed to hold off the Indian to clinch the opening game 21-17 before pulling ahead 11-6 in the second game. At that stage, Shetty was forced to forfeit the contest due to an undisclosed injury, sending Naraoka into the last eight.
Indian Focus Shifts to Sindhu and Chaliha
The double exit leaves India looking toward the remaining women’s singles contingent in Paris. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is scheduled to play her second-round match later on Thursday against Japan’s Riko Gunji. Meanwhile, Ashmita Chaliha faces a formidable assignment in the pre-quarterfinals, taking on Japan’s third seed Akane Yamaguchi as the Indian challenge looks to bounce back at the marquee World Tour event.
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