After PV Sindhu's loss, Saina Nehwal too bows out of the Malaysia Open

Disappointment for Saina Nehwal

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 16 (IANS): Top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has lost her women’s singles second round match at the $500,000 Malaysia Open Super Series Premier here Thursday.

Eighth seed Saina was upset by Chinese World No. 25 Xue Yao in 56 minutes at the Putra Stadium. Yao won 16-21, 21-10, 21-19 in their first ever career meeting.

After sharing the first two games, World No. 8 Saina led in the initial part of the decider (10-8) but thereafter Yao not only clawed her way back, but went on to take a significant 18-14 lead.

The Olympic bronze medallist fought back to equalise at 19-all but Yao kept her nerves to win the two most important points to clinch the game and match, proceeding to the quarterfinals.

Earlier, India’s No. 2 PV Sindhu also crashed out, losing her second round match against South Korean sixth seed Yeon Ju Bae 21-16, 21-19 in 45 minutes.

Parupalli Kashyap and Kidambi Srikanth will play their respective men’s singles second round matches later.