Defending champion Kidambi Srikanth pulls out of Swiss Open
Image Courtesy: © Facebook - Kidambi Srikanth
After suffering an early exit at the All England Championship last week, World No.10 Kidambi Srikanth has withdrawn from this week’s Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold to focus on the upcoming Indian Open. Srikanth had won the tournament last time around after defeating Viktor Axelsen in the final.
"I am not playing Swiss Open this year. I want some more time for training before I play India Open," said Srikanth, reported TOI. Srikanth had won the Syed Modi GP Gold back in January.
With Srikanth pulling out of the tournament at the last moment, India’s hopes will be on two-time winner Saina Nehwal and World No.12 Sindhu. The 2012 Olympics bronze medallist will take on World No.26 Karin Schnaase of Germany in the first round while Sindhu is scheduled to face Chloe Magee.
In the men’s singles, Ajay Jayaram and HS Prannoy will lead the Indian challenge in the absence of Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap. 11th seed Ajay Jayaram will take on Jiann Shiarng Chiang of Malaysia in the opening round while Prannoy is scheduled to face Kalle Koljonen of Finland on Tuesday.Â
