Sindhu marches on, Srikanth, Prannoy fall as Arctic Open delivers contrasting fortunes

Asian Games badminton: PV Sindhu (Image: Reuters)

PV Sindhu once again showed her ability to raise the intensity when it mattered most, overcoming Japan’s Riko Gunji in straight games to storm into the women’s singles quarter-finals of the Arctic Open 2026 on Thursday.The sixth-seeded Indian, a two-time Olympic medallist, prevailed 21-15, 21-15 in 49 minutes at the BWF Super 500 event. Sindhu will now face top seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand for a place in the semi-finals.

Sindhu turns it on at crucial moments

The opening game was closely contested, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage. Gunji stayed alongside Sindhu until the score reached 15-all. That was when the Indian found another gear.Sindhu reeled off six points in a row to shut down Gunji's challenge and take the opening game 21-15. The second game followed a similar pattern. Gunji once again stayed within touching distance, with the two players level at 13-all.But Sindhu remained composed when the pressure increased. The Indian won eight of the next 10 points to close out the game 21-15 and seal her place in the last eight.The victory sets up a stern quarter-final test against Intanon, who comes into the clash as the tournament's top seed and a former world champion.

Srikanth squanders early advantage

It was a contrasting day for India's men's singles players, with World Championships medallists Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy both suffering first-round defeats. World No. 31 Srikanth made an encouraging start against Canada's world No. 34 Brian Yang, taking the opening game 21-15.

However, Yang responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest. The Canadian won the second game by the same 21-15 margin before completing the comeback with a 21-13 win in the decider.Srikanth's challenge thus ended after a three-game battle.

Prannoy outplayed by Antonsen

Prannoy, ranked 38th in the world, had a more difficult outing against fourth-seeded Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen. The Indian struggled to match Antonsen's pace and consistency as the Dane dominated proceedings from the outset.Antonsen wrapped up the contest 21-10, 21-9 to send Prannoy out in the opening round.