Indonesia Masters 2019: PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth move into second round 

After Saina Nehwal won her first round match, PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth moved into the second round of the Indonesia Masters 2019 -- a Super 500 level tournament played at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta on Wednesday.

PV Sindhu defeated Li Xuerui of China in three gruelling games. It was an exceptional performance by the BWF World Tour Finals 2018 champion who showed great courage and fight to win the match after losing the first game. It was a close-fought first game as both players took alternate points before Li held her nerves to win the first game 24-22.

In the second game, the Indian played aggressive badminton and won it easily by 21-8 to force the match into decider. PV Sindhu showed her class in the deciding game and progressed into 2nd round with 21-17 scoreline. She will take on Tunjung of Indonesia in 2nd round. PV Sindhu did not feature in Malaysia Masters.

Kidambi Srikanth was in superb form, beating Chong Wei Feng of Malaysia in straight games. The Indian played with aggression and did not allow his opponent to come back into the match and won it easily 21-12, 21-8 to move into the 2nd round. He will face Kenta Nishimoto of Japan.

Kidambi Srikanth reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters and would be looking to continue his good form. Last time these two players met, Srikanth lost to Nishimoto 17-21, 13-21 at the Hong Kong Open last year.

Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and the men’s doubles pair of Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Attri moved into the 2nd round with good performances. Sai Praneeth, Subhankar Dey, women’s doubles and mixed doubles pairs were knocked out in the first round.

PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth would be looking to impress with their skills and hope to win the first title of the year.