Kiran George Advances to Second Round of Korea Masters 2024, Keeps India’s Hopes Alive

Indian shuttler Kiran George moved into the second round of the men’s singles event at the Korea Masters 2024 in Iksan City, South Korea, after a hard-fought victory over Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang on Wednesday. 

George, currently ranked World No. 41, showed resilience in his opening match, rallying from a set down to defeat his 65th-ranked opponent 15-21, 21-12, 21-15 in a 57-minute battle.

George is the sole Indian player competing at this BWF Super 300 event, as Ayush Shetty and Imad Farooqui Samiya, who were slated to play, have pulled out. 

With no Indian player ever having won a title at the Korea Masters, George’s performance will be closely watched as he represents his country’s last chance to make history at this tournament.

The match began on a shaky note for George, who struggled to keep pace with Nguyen in the first game. Despite his efforts, the Indian shuttler found himself trailing and eventually lost the opener 15-21. 

However, in a powerful response in the second game, the 24-year-old quickly found his rhythm, securing an early six-point streak that shifted the momentum in his favour and allowed him to level the match with a decisive 21-12 win.

In the final game, George maintained control from start to finish, showing improved precision and aggression to keep Nguyen on the defensive. The Indian’s focus and consistency paid off as he claimed the decider 21-15, clinching his place in the second round.

George will now face a tougher challenge on Thursday against third-seeded Chi Yu Jen from Chinese Taipei, who defeated South Korea’s Park Sang Yong 21-14, 21-18 in his opening match. 

Jen’s higher seeding and recent form will make him a formidable opponent, but George’s recent performances, including quarterfinal appearances at the Indonesia Masters and Swiss Open, suggest he is up to the task.

This win comes as a confidence boost for George as he looks to advance further in the tournament and potentially secure India’s first title at the Korea Masters. With his resilient comeback in the opening round, George has shown he is prepared to compete against stronger players, bringing hope for a promising run in Iksan City.