Unseeded shuttler Praful Maharjan stunned sixth seeded Sanjeev Khadka in the men’s singles event at the sixth Pushpalal Memorial National Open Badminton Championships at the International Sports Complex in Satdobato on Tuesday. 

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) player Maharjan, who is preparing to compete in the Asian Junior Championship in Indonesia later this month, recorded a 21-15, 21-17 win over Khadka of Kailali to book a quarter-final berth. Maharjan also earned win in the U-17 boy’s single category for place in the last eight.  

Top-seed Ratnajit Tamang of TAC maintained his smooth ride defeating Saroj Ansari of Nepalgunj 21-10, 21-7 for a place in the last eight of men’s singles event.

Sajan Krishna Tamrakar of Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club beat Nir Bikram Devkota of Perfect Fitness 21-19, 18-21, 21-13 and Dipesh Dhami of NPC eased past Dilendra Pun of TAC 21-6, 21-10 for a quarter-final berth.