Swiss Open 2021: Ponnappa and Satwik knock out 2nd-seeded pair in opener

The Indian mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy caused a big upset at the Swiss Open as they knocked out the second seeds in the first round on Tuesday. The World No. 19 duo triumphed 21-18, 21-10 over Hafiz Faizal and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja of Indonesia in a contest lasting 38 minutes.

Also Read: Swiss Open 2021: All you need to know about the Tokyo Olympic qualifying event

Ponnappa-Satwik continue good form from Thailand Open

The Indian pair continued their good form after making the semi-finals of the Thailand Open in January. Against Faizal and Widjaja at the Swiss Open, the Ponnappa-Satwiksairaj combine broke away from a 16-16 tie to clinch the first game 21-18.

The Indians came out all guns blazing in the second game and raced to an 11-6 lead before bagging it, 21-10.

Ponnappa and Satwik will aim to keep the momentum going when they meet Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari in the second round of the Swiss Open.

Also Read Saina, Sindhu poised for Swiss Open semifinal clash as Olympic qualifying period resumes

Sikki Reddy-Pranaav Jerry suffer a disappointing loss

N Sikki Reddy and Pranaav Jerry Chopra, however, didn't have any such luck in their Swiss Open opener. They lost to the third-seeded pair of Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith 18-21,15-21, despite putting up a stiff fight.

Several leading Indian shuttlers will be competing in the men’s singles, women's singles, and doubles events on Wednesday.

P V Sindhu will kickstart her Swiss Open campaign on Wednesday.

Swiss Open is a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics

The Swiss Open tournament will serve as one of the many badminton qualifiers for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. India's women's singles hopes will rest on PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, who could possibly face each other in the semi-finals.