Hylo Open: Sindhu, Anmol set up All-India semis; Lakshya Sen is also advancing

India are assured of a women’s singles finalist at the Hylo Open after PV Sindhu and Anmol Kharb booked their places in the semi-finals with contrasting victories on Friday. Lakshya Sen also kept India’s hopes alive in the men’s singles by making it to the last four of the Super 500 event after a relegation match.

Sindhu continued her impressive run after finishing runner-up at the French Open as she cruised past Germany’s Amalie Schulz 21-12, 21-10 in just 28 minutes.

The two-time Olympic medalist was in complete control of the entire competition and won 42 of the 64 points played. She took the opening game in stride before maintaining her dominance in the second to wrap up a convincing victory.

The former world champion will now take on compatriot Anmol, who produced a fighting performance to knock out sixth seed Unnati Hooda in the quarter-finals.

Anmol won 21-17, 18-21, 21-16 in a contest lasting one hour and eight minutes. Unnati was pushed to a decision after the opening game but held her nerve to secure the victory.

The semi-final clash guarantees India a place in the women’s singles final, with Sindhu and Anmol now just one win away from a shot at the title.

LAKSHYA SEN FIGHTS BACK TO REACH THE SEMIS

In the men’s singles, Lakshya Sen also booked his place in the semi-finals after defeating Finland’s Kalle Koljonen from behind.

The former World Championship bronze medalist recovered from a loss in the opening match to record a 14-21, 21-17, 21-13 victory in an hour and six minutes.

Lakshya struggled to find his rhythm early as Koljonen stepped up in the first game, but the Indian raised his level in the next two games to turn the match around and seal a place in the last four.

Sen will next face France’s Tom Junior Popov for a place in the men’s singles final as India look to make a big push for the title in Germany.

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