Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu faced a disappointing first-round exit at the Japan Open Super 750 tournament, losing 15-21, 14-21 to Korea’s Sim Yu Jin on Wednesday. The 30-year-old former world champion struggled with rustiness and errors, marking her fifth first-round defeat this year. Despite a brief fightback in the first game, Sindhu couldn’t match Sim’s pace, who secured her first career victory over the Indian star.

In contrast, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ranked world No. 15, powered into the second round with a commanding 21-18, 21-10 win over Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Kim Dong Ju. After a tight first game, the former world No. 1 duo dominated the second, wrapping up the match in just 42 minutes with precise and aggressive play.

Lakshya Sen, world No. 18, also advanced, overcoming a season of inconsistent form to defeat China’s Wang Zheng Xing 21-11, 21-18. Lakshya controlled the first game effortlessly and held off a stronger challenge in the second to secure a straight-games victory. He now faces Japan’s seventh seed, Kodai Naraoka, in the round of 16, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.

Also Read: Jadeja Should’ve Attacked Bashir—Kumble Slams Batting Strategy After Heartbreaking Lord’s Loss

Also Read: Can India Crush England in the ODI Series After Their Epic T20 Victory?