Prannoy and Ayush Shetty to Lead India’s Charge at Korea Open Super 500

With India’s top badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty opting out, all eyes will be on H.S. Prannoy and Ayush Shetty as they lead the country’s challenge at the USD 475,000 Korea Open Super 500 tournament beginning Tuesday.

Prannoy, a bronze medallist at the 2023 World Championships, has struggled to find momentum this season but remains a dangerous contender. Despite early exits in recent tournaments, the 33-year-old has consistently tested top-tier opponents, pushing matches into deciders and proving he still has the firepower to compete at the highest level.

His recent performances include a solid win over China’s Lu Guang Zu and narrow losses to compatriot Lakshya Sen and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen. Prannoy begins his Korea Open campaign against a qualifier, and if successful, will likely face experienced campaigner Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in the second round—an encounter that promises to test both stamina and strategy.

While Prannoy brings experience, it’s rising star Ayush Shetty who enters the tournament with a wave of momentum. The 22-year-old from Mangalore is the only Indian to have clinched a BWF title this season, having won the US Open earlier. Since then, Ayush has built an impressive resume with victories over several big names, including Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, Chou Tien Chen, Canada’s Brian Yang, India’s Kidambi Srikanth, former world champion Loh Kean Yew, and Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke.

He will open his campaign against Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei, and a strong showing here could further cement his rise as one of India’s most promising talents.

India’s men’s singles presence is rounded out by Kiran George, who faces a tough opening match against Singapore’s fifth seed Loh Kean Yew. George will need to produce his best to pull off an upset.

In women’s singles, Anupama Upadhyaya has a challenging opener as she goes up against Indonesia’s fourth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani.

India’s representation in doubles is limited this week, with mixed pair Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan opening against Japan’s Yuichi Shimogami and Sayaka Hobara.

With the absence of Satwik and Chirag, the spotlight now firmly rests on Prannoy’s resilience and Ayush Shetty’s emergence. As the Korea Open kicks off, India’s hopes ride on this mix of seasoned skill and youthful ambition.