Anupama Stuns Zhang To Enter China Masters Second Round; Sumeet-Sikki Also Win

India's Anupama Uphyaya recorded a stunning three-game win over world number 15 American Beiwen Zhang to progress to women's singles second round at China Masters Super 750 tournament here on Tuesday.

19-year-old from Almora, ranked world number 50, showed great composure to outsmart Zhang 21-17 8-21 22-20 in a 48-minute contest. It was her first second round appearance in a BWF Super 750 world tour event.

Anupama, who h won titles in Kazakhstan International challenge and Polish Open early in year, will face Japan's Natsuki Nidaira in next round.

India's B Sumeeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy also vanced to mixed doubles second round but it was anor heartbreaking defeat for Priyanshu Rajawat, who lost in men's singles opening round.

Sumeeth and Sikki, husband-wife duo, fought past American pair of Presley Smith and Jennie Gai in a tense 63-minute encounter, winning 23-21, 17-21, 21-17.

Indian duo will now take on top-seeded Chinese pair of Feng Yan Zhe and Huang Dong Ping in next round.

However, day proved disappointing for Rajawat and Aakarshi Kashyap. World No. 34 Rajawat put up a valiant fight but ultimately went down 24-22, 13-21, 18-21 to World No. 32 Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in a gruelling three-game contest.

This marks Rajawat's third consecutive loss to Wardoyo, having previously fallen to Indonesian at this year's All England Championships and 2023 Indonesia Masters.

Rajawat me a strong start by winning first game and even led 12-8 in decider. But Wardoyo clawed his way back, levelling score at 17-17 and 18-18.

Fate n seemed to favour Indonesian, as his smash clipped net, giving Wardoyo a critical le. Rajawat's challenge ended when he misfired a crucial push at net, handing match to his opponent.

In women's singles, Kashyap was no match for 2022 World junior champion and current world number 14 Tomoka Miyazaki of Japan, losing 10-21 18-21.

Anupama's display of grit and determination  

Anupama, youngest national champion in 2023, showcased incredible resilience as she fought back from a mid-game slump to overcome a tough challenge from her highly-rated opponent, sealing a well-deserved victory.

former Prakash Pukone Bminton Acemy (PPBA) trainee, who now trains under Korean coach Park Tae Sang at Bminton Association of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, started with a blazing performance in opening game.

She quickly surged ahe, taking an impressive 11-3 le in no time. Zhang, 34, however, mounted a strong comeback, closing gap to 12-20.

Chinese shuttler n won five consecutive points, nearly tipping balance in her favour. But Anupama, showing remarkable composure, won crucial final point with a stroke of fortune — a lucky net chord — to secure opening game.

Zhang gained momentum in second game, storming to a commanding 17-3 le and pulling herself back into contest. But Anupama’s resilience was on full display as she fought back in decider.

Zhang led 7-5 in third game, but Indian star grually gained control, taking an 11-8 le at mid-game break.

Though a few unforced errors allowed Zhang to draw level at 20-20, Anupama's unwavering focus saw her through. Zhang faltered at front court, handing Anupama match and confirming her victory.

Top Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen and doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will begin ir respective campaign on Wednesday.