The first tournament of the year, Malaysia Open 2024, is all set to begin on January 9, and a host of Indians will be participating with eyes on Paris 2024 qualification. Our men’s singles stars will find the going tough as Kidambi Srikanth has will play his opening round match against Indonesia’s Jonathan Christie. If he crosses the first hurdle, the WR-24 could face Kanta Tsuneyama in the second, making it even more difficult.
On the other hand, Lakshya Sen will be open his Malaysia Open against China’s Weng Hong Yang. Even though the Indian is ranked better at the moment, his current form is nothing short of pathetic. In the second round, China’s third seed Li Shi Feng could be waiting for him. As for HS Prannoy, the recent World Championship medalist, will be up against dangerous Anders Antonsen of Denmark.
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No Representation in Women’s Singles
With PV Sindhu injured, there is no Indian in the women’s singles this time around. Meanwhile, the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty will be up against Indonesia’s WR-9 pair, Muhammad Fikri and Bagas Maulana.