Shuttlers Kashyap, Prannoy advance in New Zealand Open

Auckland, Aug 2: Indian shuttlers Parupalli Kashyap and H.S. Prannoy defeated their opponents to advance at the New Zealand Open badminton here on Wednesday.

Kashyap, 15th seed, thrashed local shuttler Oscar Guo 21-9, 21-8 in just 25 minutes of the match while fourth seed Prannoy outplayed Firman Abdul Kholik of Indonesia 23-21, 21-18 in 53 minutes.

In the third round, Kashyap will take on his compatriot Saurabh Verma, who beat Henrikho Kho Wibowo of Indonesia 21-16, 21-16. Prannoy is set to face 10th seed Wei n of Hong Kong.

Among other Indians, 16th seed Siril Verma also advanced to the next round. The Indian shuttler defeated Saputra Vicky Angga of Indonesia 21-14, 21-16. (IANS)