Priyanshu Rajawat and Malvika Bansod Advance in US Open 2024 Badminton Tournament

Indian shuttlers Priyanshu Rajawat and Malvika Bansod moved into the second round of the men’s and women’s singles events respectively at the US Open 2024 badminton tournament in Texas on Wednesday.

Priyanshu Rajawat’s Victory

Currently ranked 40th, Priyanshu Rajawat defeated world No. 60 Jan Louda of Czechia 21-16, 21-18 in a 38-minute match at the Fort Worth Convention Centre. Priyanshu started strong with an early 5-1 lead, but Louda leveled the score at 6-6. The game was closely contested until Priyanshu took a decisive lead to win the first set. In the second set, Priyanshu overcame a brief lead by Louda to secure a 21-18 win. Priyanshu will face world number 82 Huang Yu Kai of Chinese Taipei in the next round.

Malvika Bansod’s Win

In the women’s singles event, world number 49 Malvika Bansod defeated 60th-ranked Kristin Kuuba of Estonia 21-14, 21-15. Malvika took a commanding 10-2 lead in the second set and comfortably sealed the win. She will face world No. 65 Tereza Svabikova of Czechia in the second round.

Other Matches

Ayush Shetty lost to Jia Heng Jason Teh of Malaysia 21-18, 12-21, 12-21 in the first round of the men’s singles. Despite winning the first set, he lost the next two sets and was eliminated from the competition. In the mixed doubles event, Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani lost 15-21, 21-18, 13-21 against Alexander Dunn and Julie MacPherson of Scotland in a 50-minute match.