Shuttlers Praneeth, Prannoy roar into US Open pre-quarters

Ace Indian shuttler B. Sai Praneeth produced yet another dominating performance as he romped into the third round of the men's singles event after sweeping aside Canada's B R Sankeerth here at the US Open Grand Prix Gold tournament on Thursday.

The sixth-seed Indian claimed a comfortable 21-15, 21-7 win over his Canadian compatriot in the second-round contest that lasted 31 minutes.

With the win, Praneeth has now set up a clash against Japan's Kazumasa Sakai for a place in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, fourth-seed Ajay Jayaram and fifth-seed H.S Prannoy also stormed into the pre-quarters after clinching straight-game wins in their respective matches.

Jayaram, who had hurt his shoulder during Canada Open at Calgary, outclassed Estonia's Raul Must 21-14, 21-9 in 28 minutes.

Prannoy, on the other hand, brushed aside Joshua Magee of Ireland 21-9, 21-8 in a one-sided contest to book his place in the pre-quarters.

Jayaram will next face Portugal's Pedro Martins while Prannoy will take on Canada Open finalist Korea's Lee Hyun Il for a place in the quarter-finals.