Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy win in Denmark Open

Ace Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy made winning starts to their campaigns in the opening round of the Denmark Open Super Series Premier on Wednesday.

Saina beat Olympic gold medallist and former world No. 1 Carolina Marin of Spain 22-20, 21-18 in a hard-fought contest in the women’s singles first round.

Srikanth beat compatriot Subhankar Dey 21-17, 21-15 in the men’s singles first round.

Prannoy too made a positive start to his campaign in men’s singles but young doubles specialist Satwiksairaj Rankireddy suffered twin defeats in the opening round.

World No. 15 Prannoy recovered from a 6-11 deficit in the second game to oust local player Emil Holst 21-18, 21-19 in a hard-fought match. It was his third win over the Danish shuttler.

The Indian is likely to play former World No. 1 Malaysian Lee Chong Wei on Thursday.

“It was a tough match. He is a tricky player and I have always played close matches against him. I was trying out a few things in the second game but it didn’t work out. He got points and had a good lead. I was getting tired but I am happy to have won. Hopefully I will be better tomorrow,” Prannoy said.