Overview

• Kidambi Srikanth overcame a first-game loss to defeat Priyanshu Rajawat 18-21, 21-19, 21-14 in a 53-minute opener to reach the second round.
• The victory marked Srikanth’s first win over Rajawat in three circuit meetings after the younger shuttler had prevailed in two straight-game encounters earlier this year.
• Emerging talent Sankar Subramanian eliminated fifth seed Ayush Shetty with a 23-21, 21-12 triumph in 44 minutes.
• Srikanth’s performance follows his runner-up finish at the Malaysia Masters in May, reinforcing his return to form after battling injuries.
• Strong showings from both veteran and junior players highlight the growing depth and competitive balance in India’s men’s singles lineup.