Pawar, Rupesh-Sanave reach quarterfinals of Bitburger Open

New Delhi: Indian shuttler Anand Pawar pulled off a stunning straight-game victory over top seeded compatriot Chetan Anand to reach the quarterfinals of the Bitburger Open in Germany on Friday.

Eleventh seed Pawar beat world number 15 Chetan 21-16, 21-13 in half an hour in the pre-quarterfinals to set up a quarterfinal clash with fifth seed Eric Pang of the Netherlands, who beat 10th seed Dane Peter Mikkelsen 23-21, 21-11. In men’s doubles, top seeded Indian pair of Rupesh Kumar and Thomas Sanave spanked qualifier combo of Mats Hukriede and Josche Zurwonne of Germany 21-9, 21-10 in the pre-quarters.However, it was end of the road for last years’ runners up Arvind Bhat and Czech International winner Trupti Murgunde. Arvind played his heart out before going down to 14th seed Dmytro Zavadsky of Ukraine 18-21, 21-9, 17-21 in a 53-minute battle.Trupti too lost to Polish Olga Konon 10-21, 9-21 in 24 minutes in the women’s singles. In women’s doubles, Aparna Balan and Shruti Kurien was outclassed by top seeded Dane pair of Helle Nielsen and Marie Roepke 19-21, 11-21 in the prequarterfinals. Bureau Report