Pranaav Chopra and Sikki Reddy became the first Indian Doubles team to reach the Quarterfinals of Japan Open Super Series 2017 where otherwise dismal record of Indians continued. The only semifinalist (2011) Saina was knocked out with Sindhu. Indians stay hopeful though as its 3rd QF for Srikanth (2016 and 2013) and 2nd for HS Prannoy (2013). 19th seed Mixed Doubles pair has the best chance for semifinals if rankings hold priority.
Japan Open Super Series 2017 for Indians: Day 1 Super Satwik, Day 2
With Srikanth and HS Prannoy playing Quarterfinals against 3rd and 2nd seeds respectively, Indians can hope its best Mixed Doubles pair of Pranaav and Sikki can win QF against 50th seed Korean Pair.
QF Schedule for Indians
Srikanth has a 2-2 career record against Victor Axelsen where Axelsen has won the last two matches, including one in 2017 India Open.
HS Prannoy has won one against Yuqi Shu, losing 2.
19th seed Mixed Doubles pair meet their 50th seed Korean opponent for the first time.
9.40 p.m. HS Prannoy vs 2nd seed Yuqi Shu (China)
10.30 p.m. Pranaav Jerry Chopra / Sikki Reddy vs Korean Pair
11.30 p.m. 8th seed Kidambi vs 3rd seed Victor Axelsen (Denmark)
Indian Winners Entering QF
HS Prannoy def Jen Hao (Chinese Taipei) 21-16 23-21 in an hour
8th Srikanth Kidambi def Yun Hu (Hong Kong) 21-12 21-11 in 29 minutes, to meet 3rd seed Axelsen in QF
Pranaav Jerry Chopra / Sikki Reddy def Japan 21-13 21-17 in just 32 minutes.
Indians Knocked Out in Round 2
While Sindhu and Saina had a comparatively easier loss, Sameer Verma and Mixed Doubles pair of Sawtik and Ashwini gave a tough fight.
Sindhu lost to Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) 21-18 21-8 in 41 minutes
Saina lost to 5th seed Carolina Marin (Spain) 16-21 13-21 in 43 minutes
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Ashwini Ponnappa lost to 4th seed Indonesian pair 27 16-21 21-12 in 1 hour 6 minutes
Sameer Verma lost to 2nd seed Yuqi Shi (China) 21-10 17-21 15-21 in 64 minutes
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