Japan SS: Pranaav/Sikki enter maiden SS semi-finals; the only Indian participation

MIXED DOUBLES duo of Pranaav Jerry Chopra/Sikki Reddy had a lot of expectations riding on them as the Japan Super Series tournament progressed. And they have stood their ground and gave wings to the expectations as they continued their winning run to enter their first ever Super Series semi-finals.

The Indian duo defeated Korean pair Seung Jae Seo/Ha Na Kim in a hard-fought three game battle 21-18, 9-21, 21-19.

Winning the first game, gave them a much needed boost and confidence but they lost the second game terribly. This put the fans in a din as to will they make it or bow out of the tournament. The Korean pair pounced back with some great shots to win a series of points and was on the verge of winning the final game. But Pranaav/Sikki had something else in store as they won 5-6 points in a row to win the final game and eventually the match.

A great performance has been given his due and a well deserved maiden semi-final spot it is for Pranaav/Sikki. They will next face qualifiers from Japan Takuro Hoki/Sayaka Hirota.

It was not a good day for HS Prannoy as he continues to disappoint at bigger tournaments. He lost to Chinese shuttler and second seed Shi Yuqi in straight games. A 15-21, 14-21 loss ended his campaign.

Bad day at office for 8th seed Kidambi Srikanth too as he lost to 3rd seed Viktor Axelsen in straight games 17-21, 17-21.

With Prannoy and Srikanth's exit, it leaves the mixed doubles duo Pranaav/Sikki as the only Indian participation in the tournament.

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