India's Rounak Chouhan produced the biggest upset of the US Open badminton tournament on Thursday, defeating World No. 6 and men's singles top seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei in straight games. The 18-year-old, ranked World No. 80, won 21-17, 26-24 in 49 minutes to advance to the quarterfinals.
Match Highlights
Chouhan, who was part of India's bronze medal-winning junior world championship team, kept the pressure on his more experienced opponent from the start. In the first game, Chou maintained a narrow lead until 17-15, but Chouhan won six consecutive points to seal the opener. In the second game, Chou dominated early, leading 17-11. However, Chouhan again won six straight points to level the score. The game became a neck-and-neck battle, with Chouhan saving four game points before converting his second match point to clinch victory.
Other Indian Victories
Several other Indian shuttlers also advanced to the quarterfinals. In women's singles, fifth seed Tanvi Sharma defeated Tung Ciou-Tong of Chinese Taipei 21-12, 21-19. Rakshitha Sree beat Chen Su Yu of Chinese Taipei 21-4, 21-19, while sixth seed Devika Sihag overcame Tonrug Saeheng of Thailand 21-17, 21-19. Experienced player Kidambi Srikanth capped off a successful day for India with a 21-14, 21-13 win over Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia.
Quarterfinal Matchup
Chouhan will face Misha Zilberman of Israel in the quarterfinals, according to a release from the tournament organizers.
