Mannepalli keeps India’s hopes alive as Satwik-Shetty bow out at Swiss Open

Indian shuttlers faced a day of contrasting fortunes at the Swiss Open Super 300 on Friday, with the country’s top men’s doubles pair - Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty withdrawing before their quarterfinal, handing a walkover to the Danish duo, while Tharun Mannepalli remained India’s lone hope in the singles draw.

Rankireddy and Shetty, seeded top in the men’s doubles event, had powered through a hard‑fought Round of 16 victory earlier in the tournament but did not take the court for their quarterfinal clash against Denmark’s Christian and Rasmus Kjaer, conceding a walkover. The exact reason for the withdrawal was not disclosed.

Meanwhile, in the singles event, Tharun Mannepalli continued his steady progress in Basel. Earlier in the week, Mannepalli had advanced through the earlier rounds and was set to face Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting in the men’s singles quarterfinal later today. The result of that match is still awaited.

The withdrawal of Satwik and Shetty leaves India’s primary spotlight on Mannepalli , who has impressed with his court craft and resilience throughout the tournament. With several Indian players having exited earlier in the week, including Kiran George and Malvika Bansod , the focus now rests on Mannepalli’s performance as he seeks to make a deep run in the Swiss Open draw.

As the tournament enters its business end, attention will be on whether Mannepalli can produce a breakthrough victory and advance further in the men’s singles event in Basel.