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Sindhu & George Make Waves at India Open 2025 Quarterfinals

After switching the sides, Sindhu surged to a 5-0 lead. The second game was dominated by Sindhu as she quickly established an 11-2 lead at the interval, making it evident that Suizu had no answers to the Indian’s relentless pressure.

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By Mausam Pandya
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The two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the quarterfinals, while Kiran George showcased a commendable effort to keep the home flag flying in men's singles at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi on Thursday. Sindhu very comfortably defeated Japan's world No. 46 Manami Suizu with a score of 21-15, 21-13, while Kiran executed an impressive comeback, saving 6 game points to overcome Alex Lanier 22-20, 21-13 in the pre-quarterfinals. PV Sindhu, a former world champion, is set to face Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, while Kiran will go up against the left-handed Chinese player Hong Yang Weng in the next round. 

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Kiran's match against Alex began with the French player taking a 6-1 lead, but a series of unforced errors allowed the Indian to close the gap. Despite Alex effectively utilizing his smashes, Kiran remained tenacious and somehow managed to narrow the deficit. Alex was ahead by 3 points at the interval, but Kiran displayed exceptional mental strength.

Trailing 14-20, Kiran saved 6 game points and launched an 8-point streak to clinch the first game as Alex repeatedly hit the lines wrong.

In the 2nd game, Kiran took a 14-11 lead after a tough contest. Alex's smashes went wide and long, while Kiran capitalized on every chance. Alex lost both of his challenges because Kiran surged to a 19-13 advantage, and a couple of net errors sealed the match for the Indian.

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"I was just taking it one point at a time, not thinking about the lead. I think that helped me secure the first set. I was just being patient," Kiran stated after the match.

"This win feels good, but I'm focused on my next match. It's a huge confidence booster. Going into tomorrow's match will help a lot. It's just hard work; I'm playing patiently. That's what I think changed my game. Today, I didn't have anything to lose, so I gave my all." Sindhu started strong, which led 11-6 at the break.

Even though Suizu managed to close the gap to 11-13 and 13-14 briefly, Sindhu persistently stayed ahead, with the Japanese player struggling to handle the Indian’s powerful smashes. Sindhu continued to deliver deep returns and used perfect drops to trouble Suizu. Very soon, she was leading 20-14 and clinched the game when Suizu hit into the net.

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After switching the sides, Sindhu surged to a 5-0 lead. The second game was dominated by Sindhu as she quickly established an 11-2 lead at the interval, making it evident that Suizu had no answers to the Indian’s relentless pressure.

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