Sindhu rolls on, end of road for Srikanth

Dubai, Dec. 14: P. V. Sindhu continued her strong run in the Dubai Super Series Final here, defeating Japan’s Sayako Sato in straight sets in the second round on Thursday.

Sindhu, who had begun her campaign with a victory over China’s He Bingjiao, was clinical on the day and won in 36 minutes against her world no. 15 opponent. Sindhu posted a covincing 21- 13, 21- 12 win.

However, it was curtains for Kidambi Srikanth who slumped to his second consecutive defeat, losing to Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen in straight games.

Srikanth was beaten by world no. 1 and defending champion Viktor Axelsen in his opening match on Wednesday, and on the day, he lost 21- 18, 21- 18 at the $ 1 million badminton event.

Srikanth has a match left in Group B but after losing two consecutive matches, he virtually has no chance of making the next stage.

World no. 7 Taiwan took 43 minutes to beat the fourthranked Indian in a Group B men’s singles match.

Srikanth will face All England Open finalist Shi Yuqi of China on Friday in his final group phase match.

Shi Yuqi, who beat Chou in his opening match, eked out a 13- 21, 21- 18, 21- 17 win over Axelsen to top Group B.

The winner of the match between Axelsen and Chou on Friday will advance to the knockouts as the second player rom the group. — Agencies