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Denmark Open Super series: Srikanth stuns World No. 1 Viktor Axelsen; Saina, Prannoy depart

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K Srikanth

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The World No.8 from Guntur, who had suffered losses against Axelsen in the last three encounters, showed some gritty retrieving in the second set

Ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth rallied to shock World champion Viktor Axelsen, continuing his Super Series title conquests this year to enter the men’s singles semifinals of the Denmark Open Superseries Premier Badminton championships at the Odense sports park.

The World No.8 from Guntur, who had suffered losses against Axelsen in the last three encounters, showed some gritty retrieving in the second set and then cruised through the decider to oust the reigning world champion and World No. 1 Dane 14-21, 22-20, 21-7 in his own home event.

“This win is a confidence booster for me. I had lost to him at India Open, World Championship and Japan Open and really wanted to win. I took lot of time to get adjusted to the court but I was more patient and curbed my errors. He tried few things in the third game which didn’t materialize,” Srikanth said after the match.

Earlier in the day, Srikanth’s sparring partner HS Prannoy and Gopichand Academy stable-mate Saina Nehwal, crumbled badly in their respective quarter-finals of the $750,000 prize money event held in Denmark on Friday.

World No. 12 and London Olymipcs Bronze medallist Saina Nehwal suffered a straight game loss 10-21, 13-21 to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi after being forced to play a late night match on Thursday in the women’s singles quarterfinals.

Saina looked tired and sluggish and committed many unforced errors to allow defending champion Yamaguchi to advance 11-6 lead as she walked away easily with the open game. The second game was tighter in comparison as the duo exchanged points till the break, at which time Saina narrowly trailed Yamaguchi by one point (10-11). But after that the Japanese changed the tempo and raced to 20-12 in quick time. Saina could muster to save one match-point before losing the game 13-21.

Saina defended her loss which lasted less than 30 minutes, claiming that she did not get sufficient rest and was forced to play a late night match.

“I did not get enough time to rest, have never played a match at 2 am. It has never happened. Never slept at 3 am. I was sluggish. My movement was not good, but I should say Yamaguchi also played really well,” Saina said after the match.  

Prannoy, meanwhile, could not convert his irresistible form from the second match and succumbed to the sustained assault by the South Korean top seed and World No 2 Son Wan Ho. The match lasted for 45 minutes, where Son handed Prannoy a 21-13, 21-18 humbling.

“I committed too many errors. He hardly won points. I knew I have to patient with him but I couldn’t. It was one of those when nothing goes right,” Prannoy said.

Srikant will today clash with Hong Kong’s Wong Wing Ki Vincent, the 15th ranked (BWF) six footer in the semi-final. Wong, who made the top four, is in red hot form when he defeated fifth-seeded Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in two straight games in 52 minutes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Cricket news

Who is Praful Hinge? Young pacer who made instant impact with match-turning IPL debut spell

Praful Hinge grabbed attention with a three-wicket over on his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Praful Hinge bowling for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL

Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.

His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Domestic cricket background

Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.

While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.

Bowling style and strengths

Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:

  • Maintaining a disciplined line and length
  • Ability to generate movement off the pitch
  • Effectiveness in short, impactful spells

His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.

Breakthrough IPL moment

Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.

A promising start

Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.

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Cricket news

At 15, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi eyes India debut, could surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may soon make his India debut after a standout IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.

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Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.

The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.

Strong performances boost selection chances

Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.

Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.

Could become youngest India debutant

If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.

The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.

Future tours also on radar

Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.

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Cricket news

Guwahati weather poses threat to RR vs MI blockbuster as rain delays toss

The IPL 2026 clash between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians faces a delay as the Guwahati weather brings persistent rain to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

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Guwahati weather

The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has hit a weather hurdle. Scheduled to take place at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the toss for Match 13 has been officially delayed due to persistent rain in the city.

Rain intensifies at Barsapara Stadium

The Guwahati weather has taken a turn for the worse as heavy drizzle forced the groundstaff to keep the pitch and square under covers. While the rain had momentarily eased, allowing for a brief inspection, it returned shortly after, frustrating both fans and players. According to media reports, the probability of rain during match hours has surged to nearly 50%, a significant increase from earlier forecasts.

Cut-off time and over reductions

As the clock ticks, the pressure on the match officials increases. Overs were scheduled to start being reduced from 8:40 PM IST. For those hoping for at least a shortened game, the cut-off time for a minimum five-over-a-side contest has been established at 10:56 PM IST. The city remains under a weather alert, with cloud cover expected to be a major factor throughout the evening.

High-stakes encounter on hold

Rajasthan Royals enter this game with a perfect record, having won their first two matches of the season. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, are looking to bounce back after a mixed start. A key highlight of this match is the potential battle between 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah.

Historically, the two teams share a fierce rivalry, with Mumbai holding a slight edge with 16 wins compared to Rajasthan’s 14 in their 31 previous meetings.

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