India sailed into the quarterfinals of Badminton Asia Team Championship with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Singapore here today.
India, thus, made a strong comeback after suffering a defeat to China in their first Group A tie on Monday.
Each tie comprises three singles and two doubles matches.
To begin with, Kidambi Srikanth scored a comfortable 21-16, 12-21, 21-13 win over Zi Liang Derek Wong in the first singles match at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
The Singaporean tried to compete but the world number 9 Indian, after losing the second game, bounced back to have the last laugh.
It turned out to be a one-sided affair for Ajay Jayaram in the second singles against Kean Yew Loh as he went on to score a 21-11, 21-18 victory.
India's doubles players, too, came up with an impressive performance and won the two matches quite easily. Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy beat Yong Kai Terry Hee-Kean Hean Loh 21-15, 21-14.
While the duo of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Akshay Dewalkar trounced Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Hendra Wijaya 21-14, 21-13 in the second doubles match.
The 27-ranked HS Prannoy, too, dominated his singles match against Zin Rei Ryan NG, winning it 21-10, 21-12.
Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand expressed happiness over the team's commanding performance.
"It's a good win. The 5-0 win is wonderful. Hopefully, we will do better in the next matches as well," he told PTI.
In the morning session's other men's matches, Japan trounced Sri Lanka 5-0, Malaysia defeated Nepal 5-0 and Hong Kong China beat Philippines 4-1.
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Expressing happiness after the win, Srikanth hoped to continue his form in the forthcoming matches, including those against China.
"I am very happy to have won the match against Zi Liang Derek Wong of Singapore and I am sure to maintain this form for the other ties with China. I am also happy that our team has won against Singapore 5-0 and I am sure team India will perform well in the other matches also," Srikanth said.
The doubles pair of Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy B also expressed confidence that their team would continue carry on the momentum.
"Playing in the home court is always an advantage and getting the first 11 points was quite comfortable. We are sure team India will maintain the winning streak," they said.
