HS Prannoy Exits China Open 2026 in Opening Round, Devika Sihag Shows Fight Despite Defeat

India endured a disappointing opening day at the China Open 2026 in Changzhou, with HS Prannoy and Devika Sihag bowing out in the first round of their respective singles events. 

While Prannoy's defeat extended a difficult season for one of India's most experienced shuttlers, Devika showed plenty of promise before eventually falling in a hard-fought three-game contest against a top-10 opponent. The focus now shifts to the remaining Indian contingent, with PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and several doubles pairs set to begin their campaigns on Wednesday as India looks to make a deeper impact at one of the BWF World Tour's premier tournaments.

HS Prannoy entered China.Open hoping to rediscover the consistency that made him one of India's leading men's singles players in recent years. Instead, the tournament ended almost as soon as it began. The former World Championships bronze medallist was comprehensively beaten by Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao, losing 21-10 and 21-14 in straight games.

Ranked World No. 27, Jun Hao controlled the contest from the outset, dictating the pace with his aggressive attacking play and forcing Prannoy onto the defensive for much of the match. The Malaysian raced through the opening game in just 21-10, giving the Indian little opportunity to establish any rhythm. Prannoy attempted to mount a response in the second game, but Jun Hao remained composed, consistently finding the lines and capitalising on unforced errors from the Indian to close out the match in convincing fashion.

The victory also levelled the career head-to-head record between the two players at 2-2, highlighting the growing competitiveness of their rivalry.

The loss continues what has been an underwhelming 2026 season for Prannoy. Despite entering the year with hopes of returning to his best, the Indian has not progressed beyond the second round of any tournament so far this season. His inability to build momentum has become a recurring concern, particularly as younger players continue to emerge on the international circuit.

Once known for his ability to upset the world's best players in major tournaments, Prannoy has struggled to reproduce that level of consistency in recent months. Injuries and fluctuating form have often interrupted his progress, making it difficult to string together deep tournament runs. With several major events still to come this season, including important BWF World Tour tournaments and international team competitions, the experienced shuttler will now be looking to regroup quickly and rediscover the level that has made him one of India's most dependable performers over the past decade.

Devika Sihag Pushes World No. 10

Although the result ended in defeat, Devika Sihag produced one of the more encouraging performances of the day for India.Facing Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan, currently ranked World No. 10, the young Indian pushed her higher-ranked opponent to three games before eventually losing 21-19, 19-21, 21-13.

The opening game was closely contested, with Devika matching Busanan shot for shot before narrowly falling short by just two points.

Rather than allowing the disappointment to affect her, the Indian responded impressively in the second game. Displaying excellent court coverage and greater confidence in the longer rallies, she edged another tight contest 21-19 to force a deciding game. However, the physical demands of the match eventually took their toll.

Busanan raised her intensity early in the third game, opening up a significant lead before closing out the decider 21-13. While Devika could not sustain the momentum she built in the second game, her ability to challenge one of the world's top players offered plenty of positives.

The performance demonstrated that she has the potential to compete with higher-ranked opposition and will gain valuable confidence despite the first-round exit.

While Tuesday brought disappointment, India's strongest medal hopes are yet to take the court. The spotlight on Wednesday will fall on PV Sindhu, who faces an intriguing all-Indian opening-round clash against rising youngster Unnati Hooda. The contest guarantees India a place in the next round but also presents an important test for both players. Sindhu will be looking to begin another major campaign strongly, while Unnati has an opportunity to measure herself against one of India's greatest badminton players.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/china-open-2026-badminton-indian-shuttlers-participation-in-the-prestigious-event

In the men's singles, Lakshya Sen begins his campaign aiming to build momentum after showing encouraging signs in recent tournaments. Youngster Ayush Shetty also faces a challenging opening-round encounter against Indonesia's Alwi Farhan, another promising player from badminton's next generation.

India's doubles players will also be in action as they seek to progress into the later rounds. In men's doubles, MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan will look to carry their improving partnership into another important tournament. Mixed doubles will feature two Indian combinations.

The experienced pairing of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde will begin their campaign alongside Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila, one of India's most established mixed doubles partnerships.

With doubles becoming an increasingly important area of Indian badminton, strong performances from these combinations could significantly boost the country's overall campaign.

Although India's opening day ended with two defeats, the tournament is still in its early stages, and several of the country's leading players remain in contention. For Prannoy, the immediate challenge will be overcoming another disappointing early exit and finding the consistency needed to revive his season. Devika Sihag, despite her loss, leaves Changzhou with valuable experience after pushing a top-10 opponent over three competitive games.

The responsibility now shifts to the remaining Indian contingent. With PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and multiple doubles pairs entering the competition, India still has several opportunities to make a meaningful impact at the China Open 2026. Strong performances over the coming days will be crucial as the team looks to turn a difficult opening day into a successful tournament overall.