Shuttler Srikanth, Verma advance in Chinese Taipei Open

Taipei: Indian shuttlers Kidambi Srikanth and Sameer Verma earned contrasting victories to advance to the second round of men's singles at the $200,000 Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold event here on Wednesday.

However, it was the end of the road for Commonwealth Games bronze medallist R.M.V. Gurusaidutt, who lost his opener 21-23, 17-21 to Indonesian qualifier Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in straight games at the Taipei Arena.

While third seed Srikanth needed only 34 minutes to ease past local talent Tzu Wei Wang 21-17, 21-15 in their first career meet, Verma had to fight it out in three games against another local shuttler. Eventually, the Indian qualifier came out on top, beating Kuo Po Cheng 20-22, 21-13, 21-13 in 56 minutes in their first ever match.

Next up, Verma faces a tough task as he takes on World No.1 Chen Long of China while Srikanth will play against Indonesian Ihsan Maulana Mustofa for a place in third round.

Double World Championship bronze medallist P.V. Sindhu will play her women's singles first round later in the day against Lindaweni Fanetri of Indonesia.