India enjoyed a strong start at the USD 240,000 Syed Modi International Super 300 tournament in Lucknow on Tuesday, with several pairs and singles players advancing to the next round. The highlight of the day came from the defending women’s doubles champions Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who battled past Malaysia’s Cheng Su Hui and Tan Zhing Yi in a gripping three-game encounter.
Treesa and Gayatri were pushed to the brink in their opener, dropping the first game 19-21 before showing grit to take the second 22-20. With momentum on their side, the Indian duo dominated the decider 21-9 to seal their passage into the second round. The performance was particularly encouraging given Gayatri’s recent return to the circuit after a five-month layoff due to a shoulder injury. Her assured movement and resilience were key to the pair’s comeback win, offering promising signs for the matches ahead.
India’s women’s doubles success continued as Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra produced a commanding performance against compatriots Peeva Evangelin and Samriddhi Singh. Their 21-8, 21-11 victory showcased sharp coordination and aggressive net play, earning them a smooth entry into the second round.
In men’s doubles, India’s seeded pairs ensured a dominant display. Fifth seeds Hariharan Amsakarunan and M.R. Arjun, already boasting titles at the Al Ain Masters Super 100, Turkiye International Challenge and Telangana Challenge, eased past Ayush Makhija and Sujey Tamboli with a 21-11, 21-13 win. Their control in both attack and defence underlined why they remain strong contenders this week.
Second seeds Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K. followed suit with a comfortable outing, securing a 21-8, 21-17 victory over Swarnaraj Bora and Nibir Ranjan. Meanwhile, Viplav Kuvale and Viraj Kuvale also opened their campaign on a winning note.
The qualification rounds saw a series of successes for India in singles. Arya Bhivpathaki, Abhinav Thakur, Bharat Raghav and Orijit Chaliha all progressed to the men’s singles main draw with confident wins. In women’s singles, Aditi Rao and Aalisha Naik clinched their spots in the main draw after solid performances.
India also impressed in mixed doubles. C. Lalramsanga and Taarini Suri delivered a composed 21-13, 21-15 win over Israel–Hungary duo Misha Zilberman and Agnes Korosi. Bhavya Chhabra and Vishakha Toppo added another victory for the hosts, defeating compatriots Devvert Mann and Nishu Malik 21-19, 21-15.
With multiple categories showing early promise, India’s campaign in Lucknow is off to a confident and encouraging start.
