Kidambi Srikanth Advances in Malaysia Masters 2025 Badminton Tournament

In an exciting display at the Malaysia Masters 2025, Kidambi Srikanth, the former world number one, advanced to the main rounds of the men's singles. He triumphed over Kuo Kuan-lin and Huang Yu Kai, showcasing his skills despite challenges. However, other Indian competitors faced early exits. The tournament continues with notable players like PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy set to compete. Read on for a detailed overview of the matches and results.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2025, 02:04 IST

Kidambi Srikanth's Impressive Performance

Bukit Jalil [Malaysia], May 20: Former world number one and renowned Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth successfully progressed to the main rounds of the men's singles at the Malaysia Masters 2025 tournament held at the Stadium Axiata Arena KL Sports City.

In his first qualifying match, Srikanth faced off against Kuo Kuan-lin from Chinese Taipei, securing a swift victory with scores of 21-8, 21-13 in just 29 minutes, as reported by Olympics.com.

His second match proved to be more challenging against Huang Yu Kai, ranked 86th globally. After losing the first game, Srikanth made a strong comeback, winning the next two games with scores of 9-21, 21-12, 21-16 to secure his spot in the main draw.

Unfortunately, India's other two competitors in the men's singles qualifiers were eliminated. Tharun Mannepalli lost to Thailand's Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul with scores of 21-13, 23-21, while Sankar Subramanian fought hard but was defeated by China's Xuan Chen Zhu, 22-20, 22-20.

In the women's singles, Anmol Kharb was unable to advance past the qualifiers, losing 21-14, 21-18 to Hung Yi-Ting from Chinese Taipei.

The women's doubles first round saw Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi fall to the eighth seeds Lin Jhih-Yun and Hsu Yin-Hui, with scores of 21-14, 21-18.

Rashmi Ganesh and Sania Sikkandar also exited in the first round after a defeat against Thailand's Pichamon Phatcharaphisutsin and Nannapas Sukklad, with scores of 21-10, 21-12.

On a positive note, Prerana Alvekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande advanced to the second round in women's doubles, overcoming compatriots Vaishnavi Khadkekar and Alisha Khan with scores of 21-19, 19-21, 21-13.

In men's doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi faced an early exit, losing 21-13, 21-18 to Chen Zhi-Ray and Lin Yu-Chieh from Chinese Taipei.

Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K were also eliminated from the men's doubles after a close match against fifth-seeded Malaysian duo Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun, ending with scores of 21-15, 23-21.

In mixed doubles qualifiers, Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan were defeated by Malaysia's Ming Yap Too and Yu Shan Lee, with scores of 21-15, 21-16.

Looking ahead, two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and world championships bronze medallist HS Prannoy are set to compete at the Malaysia Masters on Wednesday.