Youngster Priyanshu Rajawat, Indian badminton duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand storm into US Open quarterfinals

NEW DELHI: The US Open Super 300 tournament has witnessed a remarkable performance by India's Priyanshu Rajawat, who has secured a spot in the men's singles quarterfinals. Rajawat, seeded eighth, proved his mettle by defeating Chinese Taipei's Huang Yu Kai in straight games, with a score of 21-18, 21-16. This victory makes an intriguing clash for Rajawat against the fourth seed, Lei Lan Xi of China in the next round.Rajawat's recent triumph at the Orleans Masters in 2023 has undoubtedly boosted his confidence, and his performance in the US Open Super 300 tournament further solidifies his position as a formidable force in the badminton circuit.Adding to India's success, the Commonwealth Games bronze medalists, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, have also advanced to the women's doubles quarterfinals. The second-seeded Indian pair overcame a challenging encounter against Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Pei Shan and Hung En-Tzu, securing a hard-fought victory with a score of 16-21, 21-11, 21-19.Jolly and Gopichand's resilience and determination were on full display as they rallied back from a game deficit to secure their place in the next round. Their next challenge will be against the sixth-seeded Japanese duo of Rui Hirokami and Yuna Kato, setting the stage for an enthralling quarterfinal clash.Malvika Bansod, seeded seventh in the women's singles event, has also booked her spot in the quarterfinals. Bansod showcased her tenacity and fighting spirit as she battled past Czech Republic's Tereza Svabikova in a closely contested three-game encounter, with a final score of 15-21, 21-19, 21-14.Bansod's resilience and ability to bounce back from a game deficit highlight her mental fortitude and determination on the court. However, her journey in the tournament will face a stern test as she prepares to face the third seed, Kristy Gilmour of Scotland, in the quarterfinals.The performances of Rajawat, Jolly, Gopichand, and Bansod have not only brought pride to the Indian badminton contingent but have also showcased the depth and talent within the country's badminton ranks.