Day 3 of the Malaysia Masters 2025 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur brought mixed results for India in the men’s singles pre-quarterfinals. Ayush Shetty bowed out after a straight-games defeat to France’s Toma Junior Popov, going down 21-13, 21-17. In another all-French affair for the Indian contingent, Sathish Karunakaran was bested by Christo Popov, losing 21-14, 21-16.
Veteran Kidambi Srikanth provided the silver lining with a composed performance against Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen. Srikanth showed glimpses of his former top-tier form, clinching a 23-21, 21-17 victory to move into the quarterfinals. However, HS Prannoy’s campaign came to an early end with a loss to Japan’s Tanaka Yushi, who dominated the first game and held off a close contest in the second game, winning 21-9, 21-18.
In women’s doubles, Prerana Alvekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande were ousted by Taiwan’s Yin-Hui Hsu and Jhih Yun Lin in straight games, losing 21-9, 21-14.
With no Indian representation left in women’s singles, men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, Srikanth remains India’s sole hope in the tournament. He will face Toma Junior Popov in a tough quarterfinal encounter on Friday, May 23, the Frenchman who earlier ousted Shetty.