PV Sindhu marches on, Srikanth and Prannoy fall as Arctic Open delivers contrasting fortunes for India

PV Sindhu once again showed her ability to raise the intensity when it mattered most, overcoming Japan’s Riko Gunji in straight games to storm into the women’s singles quarter-finals of the Arctic Open 2026 on Thursday.The sixth-seeded Indian, a two-time Olympic medallist, prevailed 21-15, 21-15 in 49 minutes at the BWF Super 500 event. Sindhu will now face top seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand for a place in the semi-finals.Sindhu turns it on at crucial momentsThe opening game was closely contested, with neither player able to establish a clear advantage. Gunji stayed alongside Sindhu until the score reached 15-all. That was when the Indian found another gear.Sindhu reeled off six points in a row to shut down Gunji's challenge and take the opening game 21-15. The second game followed a similar pattern. Gunji once again stayed within touching distance, with the two players level at 13-all.But Sindhu remained composed when the pressure increased. The Indian won eight of the next 10 points to close out the game 21-15 and seal her place in the last eight.The victory sets up a stern quarter-final test against Intanon, who comes into the clash as the tournament's top seed and a former world champion.Srikanth squanders early advantageIt was a contrasting day for India's men's singles players, with World Championships medallists Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy both suffering first-round defeats. World No. 31 Srikanth made an encouraging start against Canada's world No. 34 Brian Yang, taking the opening game 21-15.However, Yang responded strongly and gradually took control of the contest. The Canadian won the second game by the same 21-15 margin before completing the comeback with a 21-13 win in the decider.Srikanth's challenge thus ended after a three-game battle.Prannoy outplayed by AntonsenPrannoy, ranked 38th in the world, had a more difficult outing against fourth-seeded Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen. The Indian struggled to match Antonsen's pace and consistency as the Dane dominated proceedings from the outset.Antonsen wrapped up the contest 21-10, 21-9 to send Prannoy out in the opening round.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.