Two Chinese shuttlers made it through to the women’s singles main draw of the Indonesia Grand Prix Gold, after they swept their qualifying matches at Palaran Stadium, Samarinda, East Kalimantan on Tuesday.
Suo Di won by a walkover against Ganis Nur Rahmadani then beat Sesaria Nisa Afifi 22-20, 21-12 to advance.
“[Sesaria] gave me a difficult time, so it wasn’t an easy victory,” said Suo, the reigning Asian juniors champion.
“I’m not expecting anything. I just want to do my best here.”
Yao Xue also earned a spot in the next stage after coming away with a 21-14, 21-5 victory over Syafitri Nur Azizah and a 21-19, 21-13 win against Dinar Dyah Ayustine.
Suo will take on Indonesian Tike Arida Ningrum in the first round today, while Yao will play Hera Desi Ana Rachmawati.
Indonesian qualifiers Elysabeth Purwaningtyas and Putri Muthia Restu Pangersa also advanced to the women’s singles main draw.
The pairs of Darmiko and Ferdian Fascal Rusman W, and Chrisna Adiwijaya and Syarif Syahmie Radhitian gave Indonesia two more entries in men’s doubles after making it past the qualifiers.
In mixed doubles, Nova Widianto has withdrawn from the tournament, citing an unspecified illness.
Nova, who is due to retire at the end of the season, was set to play with Shendy Puspa Irawati after the 32-year-old had parted ways with long-time playing partner Liliyana Natsir.
Meanwhile, Samarinda Police has deployed 360 police officers to make sure the tournament is properly secured, local daily Tribun Kaltim said.
The Indonesia GP Gold is the first international sports event to be held in the province. (Ami Afriatni)
Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com