Former world number one Indian shuttler Srikanth Kidambi hopes of advancing in the Thailand Open 2025 were dashed after he lost in the second round of qualifiers. Srikanth, who is ranked 71st in men’s singles, began with a strong 21-15, 21-17 win over Sankar Subramanian. However, he was defeated by Tharun Mannepalli in the second round, losing 21-15, 21-17. Srikanth has struggled in recent tournaments, with only one quarter-final appearance in his last eight outings.
Tharun Mannepalli the Only Indian to Progress
Tharun Mannepalli, ranked 53rd, was the sole Indian player to make it to the main round of the Thailand Open. Before his victory over Srikanth, Tharun secured a tough win against Kuo Kuan Lin of Chinese Taipei, 17-21, 21-19, 21-17. He will represent India in the main draw starting Wednesday.
Ayush Shetty’s Strong Start, But Early Exit
Ayush Shetty, who reached the semi-finals of the Taipei Open Super 300 last week, began his qualifier campaign with an impressive 21-10, 21-11 victory over Finland’s Joakim Oldorff. However, he was eliminated in the second round, losing 21-14, 22-20 to Malaysia’s Justin Hoh.
Sathish Karunakaran Also Eliminated
Sathish Karunakaran’s Thailand Open journey ended in the qualifiers after a 17-21, 21-12, 21-12 loss to Malaysia’s Aidil Sholeh.
Ira Sharma’s Comeback Falls Short
In the women’s singles, Ira Sharma made a strong comeback in her first match, defeating Myanmar’s Thet Hthar Htuzar 18-21, 21-8, 21-12. However, she could not maintain the momentum and lost in the second round to Thailand’s Thamonwan Nithiittikrai, 21-12, 21-18.
Mixed Doubles Pair Mohit and Lakshita Jaglan Out
India’s only mixed doubles pair in the qualifiers, Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan, were knocked out after losing 21-8, 21-10 to Hong Kong’s Chan Yin Chak and NG Tsz Yau.
Exciting Day Ahead for India
On Wednesday, the spotlight shifts to India’s top players, including Lakshya Sen, who reached the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s singles semi-finals, world number 10 women’s doubles duo Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, and rising star Unnati Hooda, all set to compete in the main draw.
