Kiran George will go into the Korea Masters 2024 all alone, beginning on Tuesday in Iksan City, South Korea, as the sole Indian shuttler participating in the tournament. Finally, three Indian players were slated to compete: Kiran George and Ayush Shetty in men’s singles and Imad Farooqui Samiya in women’s singles. However, Ayush Shetty withdrew after a semi-final finish at the Hylo Open in Germany, as did Samiya. Thus leaving Kiran George as the sole representative at this competition.
Kiran George will take on Nguyen Hai Dang of Vietnam in the first round of men’s singles. The Indian can be up against the fifth seed Takuma Obayashi of Japan in the second round if he manages a win.
The tournament showcase consists of top players worldwide. Including Kunalvut Vitidsarn from Thailand, who will be the number one seed at the men’s singles competition as the world champion and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Kiran George has not had the best of form. Since reaching the quarterfinals at the Indonesia Masters and Swiss Open earlier this year. He has not gone past the round of 16 in any tournament since March this year. Nevertheless, he is one of the best players here and will be looking to better his display at the Korea Masters.
No Indian has ever won a title at the Korea Masters. Last year, only Tanya Hemanth remained in contention after others lost in the first round of women’s singles.
He had managed to pass through the qualification round in the Arctic Open this year in Vantaa, Finland. But lost to Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, the reigning Asian champion, in straight sets, 21-17, 21-8. But George had given an inkling of his capabilities when he defeated Wang Tzu Wei in the first round.
Going into the Korea Masters 2024, Kiran George will also look to create new frontiers for Indian badminton. And work his way up to reach the pinnacle.
ANI
