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Youngster Malvika Bansod has knocked Saina Nehwal out of the India Open Super 500. She has now become only the second Indian player to defeat Saina Nehwal.
Saina Nehwal had been suffering from injuries for quite some time now. The Ace Indian Shuttler had to go through knee surgery post the Rio Olympics 2016. She also seems to suffer from a cartilage tear.
Malvika Bansod matched the veteran’s strategies well and won the match with a score of 21-17, 21-19. The 20-year-old is now only the second person besides PV Sindhu to defeat Nehwal.
Malvika Bandod had previously won international titles such as the International Future Series Badminton Tournament. She had also won the Annapurna Post International Series in Nepal, in 2019.
PV Sindhu and Other Matches
PV Sindhu has entered the quarterfinals of the competition. She has entered the next round by defeating Ira Shara.
She defeated Ira Shara fairly easily by 21-10, 21-10. Furthermore, she finished the game within 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Ashmita Chaliha France’s Yaelle Hoyaux. She won by 21-17, 21-14.
Withdrawals due to Covid
Earlier in the Indian Open, Covid had led to many withdrawals from the tournament. Seven Indian players had opted out of the India Open due to Covid.
These seven players had included Kidambi Srikanth and six other players who had pulled out of the competition.
The entire English team had also opted out due to the same reason.
