Only Indians to make the 2017 Japan Open quarter-finals are Srikanth Kidambi, HS Prannoy and the mixed doubles pair of Sikki Reddy and Pranaav Jerry Chopra.
Hello and welcome to Sportskeeda's coverage of the Japan Open Super Series 2017! In this live blog, we will bring to you the Round of 16 clash between two of the biggest names in the world of badminton -- Saina Nehwal and Carolina Marin, which promises to be one high-quality encounter.
The Indian, who is ranked number 12 in the world, will face off against one of her biggest rivals and will be in good nick after a routine win in the opening round. Nehwal hardly broke any sweat yesterday as she defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand 21-17 21-9 to move into the last 16.
The reigning Olympic champion, Marin too had a strong start as she overcame Chinese shuttler Chen Xiaoxin to enter the second round. 21-11 21-11 was the final score as the Spaniard set up a clash with her long-time rival.
In their head-to-head, it is Nehwal who has a slender 4-3 advantage. Their last meeting though, was all the way back in June 2016 at the Indonesia Open, where it was Marin who won in straight games.
Stay tuned as we bring to you the latest updates from the game!