Unnati Hooda and Tharun Mannepalli lead India’s charge in Odisha Masters

Indian shuttlers impressed at the Odisha Masters in Cuttack, with Unnati Hooda, Tharun Mannepalli, Tanvi Sharma, Kiran George and Anupama Upadhyaya reaching the singles quarterfinals. Anmol Kharb staged a comeback win, while Tasnim Mir and other Indians also fought hard

Cuttack: Indian shuttlers continued their strong showing at the ongoing Odisha Masters with top seeds Unnati Hooda and Tharun Mannepalli, alongside Tanvi Sharma, Kiran George and Anupama Upadhyaya advancing to the singles quarterfinals here on Thursday.

In women’s singles, Unnati defeated Thailand’s Tidapron Kleebyeesun 21-7, 21-14 in just 25 minutes to book her quarterfinal spot.

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Joining her was Tanvi, who overcame fellow Indian Aditi Bhatt 21-18, 22-20 in a 33-minute battle.

Anmol Kharb staged an impressive comeback against Japan’s Shiori Ebihara, recovering from a 6-21 opening-game loss to take the next two games 21-8, 21-13 in 46 minutes.

Anupama also advanced after her opponent retired in the third game.

Tasnim Mir, who delivered a major upset on Wednesday, put up a strong fight against qualifier Nanami Someya of Japan. She will now take on seventh seed Tung Ciou-Tong of Chinese Taipei, who defeated India’s Aakarshi Kashyap 11-21, 21-8, 21-18 in a 66-minute contest.

In men’s singles, top seed Tharun moved into the quarterfinals with a 21-16, 12-21, 21-11 win over Govind Krishna in 48 minutes and will next face Indonesia’s Muhamad Yusuf.

Indonesia’s Richie Duta Richardo caused an upset by defeating fourth seed Priyanshu Rajawat 21-12, 21-10.

George advanced with a 21-12, 21-18 win over Dendi Triansyah and will take on eighth seed Rithvik Sanjeevi in an all-Indian quarterfinal. Rounak Chouhan and S Sankar Muthusamy also progressed to the last eight.