Sai Praneeth and Sameer Verma set to rise in the world rankings, HS Prannoy to drop one spot

Last week’s results at the New Zealand Open will trigger a few changes for Indian shuttlers in the upcoming world rankings to be released on Thursday, May 10, 2018. Two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan won the tournament for his first title of the year and that will haul him up to eighth, pushing the currently eighth-ranked HS Prannoy down by one rung.

The Kerala shuttler achieved his career-high ranking just last week after clinching a bronze medal from the Asian Championships. He would next be seen in action at the Thomas Cup to be held in Bangkok from May 20.

Sai Praneeth and Sameer Verma, both of whom played at the Auckland Super 300 event, are set to rise in this week’s world rankings. Sai was the best performing Indian and his run came to an end in the semi-finals when he lost to eventual runner-up Jonatan Christie.

Because of that performance, Sai will now climb one spot higher to 17th.

Sameer Verma lost a round earlier, in the quarter-finals, to the eventual champion Lin Dan. The Swiss Open titlist will therefore surge one place to 25th.

Next week will thus see four Indians in the top 25 of the men’s singles for the first time since November, with Kidambi Srikanth leading the pack at the third position.

There won’t be any change for Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, both of whom are now resting and gearing up for the Uber Cup. Sindhu will continue to be the top Indian at third with Saina closely following her at 10th.

In men’s doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will hold on to their 18th place while the women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy will rise a solitary spot to 25th.

In mixed doubles, Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Reddy will drop one place to 24th.