Unnati Hooda suffered from starting blues as she could not get past Korean World No 12 Kim Ga-eun to exit Super 750 China Masters. A 0-4 start in the opening set ended in a 21-10, 21-18 loss at Shenzhen as the Round 1 challenge proved too steep for the Indian World no 25.
Ga-eun is one of the toughest opponents on the circuit and was the hero of Korea’s Uber Cup title win over China earlier in the summer. She is typically deceptive in her pace and strokes, and had Unnati hopping around with indecision on whether to attack from the net or track back.
Unnati was completely out of the opener, but came back to lead 15-14 in the second on the back of some fine aggressive smashes and attacking taps. However, Kim’s steady game struck back right away as she didn’t allow the 18-18 position Unnati put herself in, to escalate adversely against her.
After Michelle Li at the World’s, Kim was yet another reminder to the youngster of how formidable the seasoned opponents can be, when they use deception against her.
In the men’s doubles, MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan retired at 11-8 down against Chinese Chen Bo Yang-Liu Yi.
Shi Yuqi lost 21-11, 21-10 to Loh Kean Yew.
On Wednesday, Kidambi Srikanth plays Chi Yu Jen, while Dhruv Kapila-Tanisha Crasto play Tonkid-Tonrug (Saeheng).
Lakshya Sen begins his campaign against World’s twice-medallist Victor Lai, while Devika Sihag runs into gritty Kaloyana Nalbantova of Bulgaria.
Tanvi Sharma, just 1 rank behind Unnati Hooda at World No 26, has a good opportunity to defeat Danish Amali Schulz and move into WS2 position for the Asian Games. She could avenge the Uber Cup loss against the Dane, in three with 21-16 in the third.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy – Chirag Shetty play a yet-again rejigged Malaysian unit of Junaidi Arif and Kang Khai Xing. The fifth ranked Indians are crucial for India’s chances at the Asiad team event.
