Saina, Jayaram ousted from Hong Kong Open

Hong Kong, Nov 21 (IANS) Top shuttler Saina Nehwal‘s inconsistent run continues as she lost her women’s singles second round tie at the $350,000 Hong Kong Open Super Series here Thursday.

This was the Hyderabadi’s third successive tournament — after the French and China Open — where she has lost in the second round.

Mumbai’s Ajay Jayaram also lost his men’s singles second round tie in straight games, ending the Indian campaign. All other Indian shuttlers had lost their respective first round matches Wednesday.

Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro took care of Jayaram, beating him 21-18, 21-12 in 36 minutes.

Unseeded World No.10 Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand took 50 minutes to overcome Saina in three games, recording her first win against the Indian in seven encounters. The Thai girl won 21-17, 9-21, 21-15 at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

Porntip’s net play at the start helped her to seal the first game. Saina turned the match on its head in the second game by completely dominating the court. From 4-all, the Olympic bronze medallist was able to win 17 points compared to the Thai’s meagre five.

In the decider, the World No.6 just could not keep up with Porntip, making several line judgement errors. Porntip’s nine smash winners proved to be decisive to Saina’s three, helping her progress to the quarterfinals.