Young shuttlers look to impress at Thailand Open 2013

File Photo: Ajay Jayaram (Getty Images)

Young Indian shuttlers – apart from country’s star Saina Nehwal – will try to grab the opportunity by the scruff of its neck and give it their best as they leave to play the SCG Thailand Open 2013, which begins tomorrow, June 4, in Bangkok.

The men’s challenge will be led by fifth seed Ajay Jayaram, who opens his campaign against Yogendran Krishnan of Malaysia. Barring no hiccups, this should be an easy first round affair for the Indian.

Eight seed and promising shuttler Sourabh Varma, who has been dubbed as the ‘dark horse’ of the tournament, has been drawn to play qualifier in the first round.

Anand Pawar, who has been seeded tenth for the tournament, will take on Riyanto Subagja in the first round.

Thirteenth seed Kidambi Srikanth should also have an easy outing when he takes on a qualifier in the first round.

H.S. Prannoy too, will also square off against a qualifier in the round of 64 and is expected to make a deep run at the tourney.

B. Sai Praneeth will clash with Malaysian Muhammad Hafiz Hashim in the opening round.

Sameer Verma has a mountain to climb in the first round when he takes on the top seed Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand.

In the women’s category, P.C. Thulsi will fight out with third seed Porntip Buranaprasertsuk in the first round itself.

Arundhati Pantawane, another ‘dark horse’ for the tournament, will meet a qualifier in the first round.

The Thailand Open is a golden opportunity for the emerging shuttlers to make a good impression in the absence of many top international players.