Manu-Ashwini enter main draw of Indonesia Open

Jakarta, May 30: India’s mixed doubles pair of Manu Attri and Ashwini Ponppa on Monday qualified to the main draw of the Indonesia Open Superseries Premier badminton tourment here.

They first defeated Indonesians Hendra Tandjaya and Monika Intan Tutiharta 21-18, 21-13 in 23 minutes to enter the second qualifying round.

Then, Manu-Ashwini overcame another local pair of Didit Juang and Keshya Nurvita Hadia 19-21, 21-10, 21-11 in 33 minutes to enter the main competition.

On Tuesday, they will face Singapore’s Yong Kai Terry Hee and Wei Han Tan in the first round. Also in action on Tuesday will be 2015 World Championship silver medallist Sai Nehwal, who will meet Chinese Taipei’s Pai Yu Po in the opening round. Sai has been given eighth seed here. On Wednesday, Manu will play men’s doubles partnering B. Sumeeth Reddy, while Ashwini will team up with veteran partner Jwala Gutta.

A total of 322 players from 23 countries and regions will feature in the competition. IANS