Highlights, French Open Superseries, badminton score and result: Kidambi Srikanth faces HS Prannoy in semis; PV Sindhu wins

It is going to be an all-Indian semi-final clash tomorrow!

🇮🇳@srikidambi vs @PRANNOYHSPRI 🇮🇳https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS pic.twitter.com/k8MBP1qz4F

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

Srikanth Kidambi beats Shi Yuqi: 8-21, 21-19, 21-9

What a marvellous performance by Srikanth to get past the defending champion Shi Yuqi in a three-game thriller. After being humiliated in the opening game, the World No 4 managed to outclass the Chinese shuttler in the next two games with his athleticism and trickery at the net.

He sets up an all-Indian semi-final clash with HS Prannoy. 
 

17-9! Srikanth’s net shot was simply too good. The Indian has shown brilliant awareness in the final game and a lot of credit goes to his fitness there. What an athlete!

9-14! Srikanth hits the net for the third time in a row, gifting Shi crucial points right after the mid-game break.

13-5! Srikanth is pushing Shi towards the backcourt so that he can kill before his opponent reaches the forecourt. Great strategy there from the Denmark Open Superseries Premier champion.

11-3! The Indian ace shuttler has an eight-point advantage over Shi Yuqi at break of the final game https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

10-2! What a transformation. There is no stopping Srikanth at the moment. He has found energy from somewhere. Those deadly flat smashes were missing in the two games.

8-1! Srikanth wins seven points on the trot to unsettle Shi Yuqi in the decider

Will he go all the way?https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

6-1! Srikanth appears to be in total command of his strokes from the net. One has to be accurate while hitting netshots and Srikanth has been absolutely on fire since the start of the final game.

4-1! The deciding game is underway and Srikanth is getting back into the groove with a three-point advantage over Shi, who looks a bit frustrated on the other side of the court.

Outstanding fightback from @srikidambi keeps the match alive!

He wins the second game 21-19 against Shi Yuqi. Decider awaits! #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

Kidambi Srikanth takes second game: 21-19

It is one-game all between Srikanth and Shi Yuqi. The Indian ace shuttler keeps his calm to register a come-from-behind win in the second game. The Chinese shuttler relied on his overall game but Srikanth fought his way back with superb attacking strokes from the net.

18-18! There is nothing to separate the two in the second game. Shi squanders a two-point lead at 18-16. Srikanth must take his chances now and force the match into the decider.

16-16 in the second game. Can Srikanth turn the game in his favour from here? https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

15-14! Perfect placement from Shi to take Srikanth by surprise. This game is far from over. Turning out to be a great battle in the second game.

11-10! Srikanth has a one-point advantage over Shi Yuqi at the mid-game break of the second game https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

8-9! Five straight points for Shi as he closes the gap on Srikanth’s lead in the second game. The Indian ace shouldn’t succumb to the pressure after the mid-game break.

7-4! Srikanth’s great movement allows him to open a three-point lead over Shi in the second game. The Indian has shown in past tournaments that he can be dangerous when he is on song but against Shi, Srikanth needs to be aware of the Chinese’s defensive prowess.

Srikanth showing a bit of urgency in the second game. Starts off well. Leads 4-2 against Shi Yuqi. #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

Shi Yuqi dominates first game: 21-8

The former World No 2 took complete control of the game with a handful of deceptive drives from the mid-court. Srikanth couldn’t help but hit the shuttle straight down the frame at times. Notably, Shi’s defence is also something Srikanth needs to worry about.

18-8! Srikanth is getting frustrated at the backcourt. He hasn’t been getting the space to move around and attack, which is said to be his natural game.

14-7! There is something special about the way Shi is playing right now. He has stopped Srikanth from playing his natural attacking game right from the beginning of the match.

Srikanth trails 6-11 at the mid-game interval of the opening game

Shi Yuqi has attacked well so far https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

9-5! The Chinese shuttler has played shots near Srikanth’s tramlines, restricting the Indian ace to pick up the shuttle from the mid-court.

6-2! Shi is dominating the rallies at the moment, pushing Srikanth towards the backcourt and playing drop shots near the forecourt.

2-2! Srikanth will have to focus on his shot selection as the match progresses slowly. Shi can deliver attacking strokes out of nowhere but the Indian has a variety of shots to stop and take control of the game.

Satwik & Chirag are 17 & 20 respectively but they played like experienced campaigners. The turnaround after the horrid 1st game was superb!

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen beat Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty: 21-5, 17-21, 21-17

What an incredible battle this was! Boe-Mogensen took the opening game in just 11 minutes but struggled to defend in the second. Rankireddy-Shetty were just outstanding to respond the way they did against the all-time greats. The young talents almost knocked the Danes out but lost focus at the end.

1 game-all & 17-all!

Rankireddy-Shetty are playing their hearts out in the decider against Boe-Mogensen https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

17-16! A clash of racquets gifts Rankireddy and Shetty a point as the duo closes the gap over Boe and Mogensen’s lead. What are we going to see here?

13-13! Neck and neck in the third and final game between Boe-Mogensen and Rankireddy-Shetty

What a gamehttps://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

12-13! Rankireddy and Shetty have combined well to keep the pressure on Boe and Mogensen in the decider. This is the kind of performance all the Indian fans hoped for.

Boe and Mogensen lead 11-8 at the mid-game interval of the decider

Rankireddy and Shetty need to attackhttps://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

8-5! Boe and Mogensen have taken control of their shots but their Indian counterparts are still very much in the match. Rankireddy and Shetty need to attack the way they did in the second game.

3-2! The third and final game is just underway. Boe and Mogensen lead by a single point against the young Indians in the decider.

Now that's called a smashing comeback!

Chirag/ Satwik win 2nd game 21-17 against the defending champions. Bring on the decider! #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty win second game: 21-17

After managing to take just five points in the opening game, the Indian pair bounces back to level the scores with a clinical display in the second game. Rankireddy’s smashes were difficult to read and Shetty kept his calm to hit clean returns.

19-17! The Indian duo is just two points shy of sending the match into the deciding game. What a sensational display this has been from the youngsters.

18-13! Rankireddy and Shetty are looking like a different pair in the second game. The duo has played some exceptional shots from the mid-court, forcing the Danes to make a lot of errors.

Playing much more freely are the Indian pair in the second game. Chirag/ Satwik are leading 13-10 against Boe/ Mogensen. #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

HS Prannoy beats Jeon Hyeok: 21-16, 21-16

Despite a slow start in both the games, Prannoy outsmarted Jeon in straight games to book his place in the semi-finals of the men’s singles event. The Indian shuttler was in control of his shots after the mid-game interval of the opening game and his brilliance at the net was enough to see him through to the next round. 

12-9! Rankireddy and Shetty have shown their talent after failing to trouble the Danish pair in the first stanza. The second game is turning out to be interesting now.

Meanwhile, Prannoy leads 18-15 in the second game against Korea’s Jeon. The World No 12 tends to start slow and then claw back with a barrage of attacking strokes. Looks like he has a plan.

6-3! The Indian duo has a three-point lead over Boe and Mogensen. Excellent combination between Rankireddy and Shetty as the former creates an opening for the latter to hit freely.

4-2! What a smash that was from Rankireddy! 

The Indian duo is leading by two-points after starting the second game with more focus. Both Rankireddy and Shetty need to attack more to cause problems.

12-11! Prannoy reduces the deficit and comes from behind yet again to take a narrow one-point lead in the second game. Can he go all the way to win the match in straight games?

That was quick. The Danes are enjoying! 

21-5! The Danish pair dominates the opening game to put Rankireddy and Shetty under pressure

LIVE: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

17-5! Boe and Mogensen are toying around with the Indian pair by not letting them hit clean returns. Rankireddy and Shetty haven’t defended confidently. Sluggish first game for the young Indians.

Meanwhile, Jeon has taken a five-point lead in the second game against Prannoy on the adjacent court. The Korean looks sharper in his on-court movements. He leads 10-5

Boe and Mogensen lead 11-2 at the mid-game interval of the opening game

Rankireddy & Shetty have struggled

LIVE: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

8-1! Satwiksairaj and Chirag are finding it difficult to stop the Danish pair from hitting straight smashes down the court. Boe and Mogensen have been playing for 14 years now, and they know how to kill the game.

5-2! Jeon has responded well after a disappointing opening game. Prannoy needs to kill the game before it turns into a rally.,

.@PRANNOYHSPRI takes the first game comfortably. Wins it 21-16 against Hyeok Jin. #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

#FrenchSS: @satwiksairaj and @Shettychirag04 take on @mathiasboe and Carsten Mogensen of Denmark

LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK pic.twitter.com/bTuyeQVJb7

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

HS Prannoy wins the opening game 21-16 against Korea's Jeon

Excellent attack!

LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK pic.twitter.com/oFir1W9Sij

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

19-14! Prannoy maintains his lead over the Korean. He has mixed the shots brilliantly since the break and managed to defend from the backcourt.

15-11! Great bit of trickery there from Prannoy to win the previous point. He looks in great touch since coming back at the start of the game.

13-8! Two successive points for the Indian ace shuttler. He should be capitalising on a healthy five-point lead over Jeon. Prannoy has glued to his attacking play to hit shots from the mid-court.

#FrenchSS: @PRANNOYHSPRI leads 11-8 at the mid-game break of the first game against Jeon Hyeok Jim

LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

9-8! HS Prannoy comes from behind to take a slender one-point lead against Jeon as we approach the mid-game interval of the opening game.

Elsewhere, HS Prannoy is in action against Jeon Hyeok Jin of Korea in the quarter-finals of the men’s singles. The Indian shuttler looks favourite to nick this match in his favour.

Tai Tzu Ying recovers from a 13-15 scoreline to win the opening game 21-17 against Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon. The Thai shuttler just switched off at the last moment. Tai delivered classy deceptive strokes to outclass her opponent.

World No 1 Tai Tzu Ying takes on Denmark Superseries Premier winner Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the quarter-finals. An interesting battle between a deceptive Tai and a defensive Ratchanok.

PV Sindhu stamps her authority over Chen Yufei and defeats her 21-14, 21-14 to enter the SEMIS of #FrenchSS. You go, girl! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/roEb2Qx8yZ

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

PV Sindhu beats Chen Yufei: 21-14, 21-14

That was a dominant performance by the Indian shuttler to down China’s Chen in straight games. Sindhu played a very attacking game and avoided hitting the frame in a hurry. The court coverage is one such area where the Indian has been fantastic this year. Chen was taken by surprise in both the games, courtesy Sindu’s confident start. 

19-13! Chen stood her ground and failed to land a straight smash. Sindhu will always go for the kill in these situations. The Indian is just two points away from entering the semi-finals.

19-12! Sindhu has dominated the forecourt tonight. Not only that, she has been clinical as far as her attack is concerned. Chen is being stretched at the back at times.

17-11! A six-point lead for the second seed Sindhu and it looks like she has a complete control over her net shots and flat smashes.

14-9! Sindhu has mixed her shots well from almost each and every corner of the court. She has also taken her shots a bit early to take Chen by surprise.

11-7! Sindhu recovers from an early setback to take a four-point lead in the second game

Great comebackhttps://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

And now, our baddie has slowly nicked ahead of Chen Yufei! Wins the longest rally of the match which lasted 39 shots to lead 9-6. #FrenchSS

— Premier Badminton League (@PBLIndiaLive) October 27, 2017

7-6! The Indian covers every inch of the court to claw back into the second game. Sindhu recovers from an early slump to take a slender one-point lead over Chen.

3-3! Sindhu strikes back. The second stanza promises to be a rollercoaster of a game as both the shuttlers are playing shots from the front. The last six points have been won at the forecourt

3-0! Chen is not going to let Sindhu win the match with ease. She earns three back-to-back points and looks sharper at the net.

PV Sindhu wins opening game: 21-14

The second seed relied on her strong attack to bag points quickly at the start and maintained her lead over Chen throughout the game. The Chinese, on the other hand, tried to unsettle Sindhu with crosscourt drop shots but was unsuccessful.

20-14! Excellent court coverage from Sindhu to take two consecutive points there. Chen is targetting Sindhu’s right tramline but the latter has responded well.

17-12! Sindhu maintains her five-point lead over Chen in the opening game. A string of clean returns, coupled with forehand drives from the mid-court is just enough to keep the young Chinese shuttler at bay.

15-10! There we see yet another rally but this time, Sindhu earns a point by keeping her calm at the net. The second seed waited patiently for Chen to make an error.

9-12! Now that was some rally. Chen successfully manages to push Sindhu at the backcourt and ploy crosscourt drop shots. Sindhu tried her best to return cleanly but she misjudges the drop.

PV Sindhu leads 11-6 against Chen Yufei at the mid-game interval of the opening game

LIVE BLOG: https://t.co/w4Kcfw3KyK #FrenchSS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 27, 2017

10-6! A four-point lead for Sindhu against Chen as we approach the mid-game break of the opening game. Chen has been finding it difficult to judge the shuttle speed so far.

8-5! Sindhu is forcing Chen to hit the shuttle at the frame with some powerful attacking strokes from the net. She hasn’t been pushed back by the Chinese.

5-2! That’s three points in a row for the Indian shuttler. Excellent foot movements at the forecourt, allowing herself to play wide.

2-2! Good start from Sindhu and Chen. This is going to be a fast-paced affair and whoever leads at the mid-game break will take the game.

PV Sindhu vs Chen Yufei: Preview

An interesting clash on cards as both Sindhu and Chen rely on their overall gameplay to unsettle their opponents. The Indian, however, has an upper hand against Chen given her ability to use her height to her advantage at the net. Both shuttlers are drawn 2-2 in the head-to-head meetings and it was the Chinese who defeated Sindhu in straight games at the Denmark Superseries Premier last week.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of the French Open Superseries. Today, we will be looking at some of the Indian shuttlers in action including Kidambi Srikanth, PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy. India’s up and coming men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty will also be in action. We will be providing live scores and updates.