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Nehwal registers 21-15, 21-15 victory over Malaysia’s Kisona, while Kidambi beats compatriot Sourabh Verma 21-12, 21-11; Kashyap retires due to calf strain
India shuttlers Saina Nehwal. Pics/Getty Images
Nehwal, who was first forced to withdraw from the event for positive COVID-19 results on Tuesday but later returned a negative test, thanked the Badminton World Federation officials and doctors for allowing her to participate. “Yesterday, I was given a positive COVID-19 result after my PCR test but I already told them that I had COVID-19 last November, so I have antibodies. I tried to explain this to the doctor and after my blood tests and chest X-rays the doctor said I was OK and I don’t have COVID-19,” Nehwal said after her win.
Kidambi Srikanth
“I am thankful to the doctors, the BWF and everyone who made the decision for me to play. It was a tiring day but I am happy I could come back and play my match.”
Earlier in the day, Srikanth took just 31 minutes to prevail over compatriot Sourabh Verma 21-12, 21-11 in the men’s singles, but Kashyap was forced to retire midway in his opening-round match against Jason Anthony Ho-Shue of Canada.
Kashyap was trailing 8-14 in the third game when he chose to retire after pulling his calf muscle. He had lost the first game 9-21 before making a comeback to take the second 21-13. Srikanth next plays Malaysia’s Zii Jia Lee, who beat HS Prannoy 13-21, 21-14, 21-8.
Sameer bows out
Sameer Verma too made a first round exit after losing 15-21, 17-21 to Shesar Hiren Rhustavito of Indonesia.
BWF assures more comfortable testing
Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Wednesday said it is working with Thailand Open organisers to ensure “comfortable” COVID-19 testing conditions during the tournament after Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth was left with a bloodied nose following a test. Srikanth got a bloodied nose after undergoing multiple COVID-19 tests.
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