Prannoy, Ayush eye strong start

Indian badminton looks to make its mark at the USD 475,000 Korea Open Super 500, starting Tuesday, as HS Prannoy and rising star Ayush Shetty spearhead the country's challenge. After mixed results this season, both shuttlers aim to revive India's fortunes in Suwon.

Prannoy, the 2023 World Championships bronze medallist, has struggled for consistency, facing early exits in several tournaments. Yet, his performances against top players, including wins over China's Lu Guang Zu and close matches against Lakshya Sen and Anders Antonsen, show he can still challenge the best. The 33-year-old opens against a qualifier, with a probable second-round clash against veteran Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

Ayush Shetty, 22, remains India's only BWF title-winner this year, having claimed the US Open crown. The Mangalore-born shuttler has since impressed with victories over Kodai Naraoka, Chou Tien Chen, Brian Yang, Kidambi Srikanth, Loh Kean Yew, and Rasmus Gemke. He will face Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei in his opening match.

Kiran George also featured in the men's singles, opening against Singapore's fifth seed Loh Kean Yew, a tough assignment.

In women's singles, Anupama Upadhyaya takes on Indonesia’s fourth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani, while the mixed doubles pair Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan begin against Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara.

With India's top doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, skipping the event, all eyes are on Prannoy and Ayush to carry the national flag and make a strong impression on the international stage.