Kidambi Srikanth’s Korea Masters 2026 campaign ended at the first hurdle as the former world No. 1 lost 22-20, 21-14, 21-12 to Israel’s Daniil Dubovenko in the men’s singles opening round. Srikanth struggled to find his rhythm and was unable to mount a comeback as Dubovenko wrapped up the contest in convincing fashion.

The defeat ended Srikanth’s campaign at the Super 300 event, dealing a blow to India’s men’s singles hopes.

The 33-year-old had entered the tournament looking to build momentum after a promising run to the US Open final earlier this season but was unable to carry that form into Asan.

Earlier, Tanvi Sharma beat China’s Yuan An Qi to set up an all-Indian clash with Shriyanshi Valishetty.

Earlier on Tuesday, when the men’s doubles pair of Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Krishna Prasad Garaga stunned fourth seeds Worrapol Thongsa-nga and Chaloempon Charoenkitamorn of Thailand in the opening round.

The world No. 118 Indian duo defeated the 48th-ranked Thai pair 21-16, 21-18 in 42 minutes to book its place in the second round.

In the men’s singles qualifying draw, Tushar Suveer began with a convincing 21-15, 21-12 win over Canada’s Shaurya Gullaiya before falling 21-10, 21-17 to Japan’s Shogo Ogawa in the qualifying final, ending his campaign one win short of the main draw.

Elsewhere, Arjun Reddy Pochana and Achutaditya Rao Doddavarapu were beaten 21-3, 21-10 by second seeds Choi Sol Gyu and Goh V Shem in the men’s doubles first round.

India’s challenge in the women’s doubles also ended in the opening round, with Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra going down 21-15, 21-13 to Japan’s second-seeded pair of Ririna Hiramoto and Kokona Ishikawa.

Published on Aug 05, 2026