SerpApi.Org
India endured a disappointing start to their China Open campaign on Tuesday as HS Prannoy and Devika Sihag suffered first-round exits in Changzhou.
Prannoy, the 2023 World Championships bronze medalist, went down 10-21, 14-21 to Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao in the men's singles, while Devika put up a spirited fight before losing 19-21, 21-19, 13-21 to Thailand's world No. 20 Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the women's singles.
Prannoy struggled to find his rhythm from the outset against world No. 27 Leong. The Malaysian raced to an 11-2 lead at the mid-game interval before wrapping up the opening game with ease.
The Indian produced a better display in the second game and stayed within touching distance at 11-8 at the interval. However, Leong maintained control in the closing stages, allowing Prannoy only six more points before sealing the contest in 32 minutes.
The defeat extended Prannoy's difficult 2026 season, with the Indian yet to progress beyond the second round in any of the eight tournaments he has played this year. It was also Leong's second win over Prannoy in four meetings.
Earlier, Devika showed plenty of resolve in a hard-fought contest against Busanan. The Thailand Open Super 300 champion narrowly lost the opening game before bouncing back to take the second and force a decider.
However, the experienced Thai raised her level in the final game, opening up a commanding 11-2 lead before completing victory in one hour and one minute.
The 21-year-old's fighting display was one of the positives for India despite the defeat, but it was not enough to prevent an early exit from the BWF Super 1000 tournament.
India's hopes now rest on the remaining singles players, with newly-crowned Japan Open champion PV Sindhu beginning her campaign on Wednesday against compatriot Unnati Hooda. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty will also be in first-round action.
Sindhu heads to Changzhou in excellent form after ending her title drought with victory at the Japan Open last week. The two-time Olympic medallist, who won the China Open in 2016, will look to carry that momentum into another strong run.
