India starts well in Kumpoo Macau Open Grand Prix Gold 2013

Prannoy H.S.

The Kumpoo Macau open was off to a flyer on Tuesday, 26th November, 2013. It was the day of the qualification rounds for all the categories and main rounds of men’s singles in the last Grand Prix tournament of the year 2013.

There were three Indian participants for the day in the men’s singles category including Sai Praneeth B., Sourabh Varma and Prannoy H.S.

In the match between Indian smasher Sai Praneeth B. and Sol Kyu Choi of Korea that took place in the evening, Choi played marginally well to register a victory in the first round encounter.

The Korean emerged victorious by 21-19 and 21-17. The first game was tight as the score alternately favoured both the players during the intermediate stages, but finally two quick points after 19-19 by the Korean game him the edge. The second game appeared to be in a better grip of Choi. He advanced to the second round of the tournament by this win.

In the second match of the day for India, Sourabh Varma crushed the host Hok Man Lou by a big margin of 21-5 and 21-7. Sourabh found his way towards victory by dominating from the very start and advanced to Round Two. The match lasted only 18 minutes.

Prannoy H.S. also brought cheer on the faces of Indian fans by defeating Indonesian Andre Marteen by the score 21-10, 21-23, 21-10. After winning the first game confidently, Prannoy was challenged by the opposition as Andre won the second game 23-21. In the final game, the Indian regained the momentum making it 21-10 in his favour.

All the Indian players presented a fairly commendable showing on the first day. On Wednesday, Thulasi P.C., Sayali Gokhale, Sourabh Varma, Prannoy H.S. and P.V. Sindhu will play their respective matches in the singles category. The doubles category will be represented by the players Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tarun Kona.