Indian shuttler and London Olympic bronze medallist was knocked out of the China Open Super 1000 tournament after losing to Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the women’s singles. Saina Nehwal has not been seen in her top form following her recovery from injuries which bogged her down this season.
Star shuttler and London Olympic bronze medallist has been knocked out of China Open Super 1000 tournament after suffering a defeat in the first round against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the women's singles on Wednesday.
Former World No. 1, Nehwal was beaten 10-21, 17-21 by World No. 19 Ongbamrungphan in a match that lasted over 44 minutes. It was Nehal's second successive defeat to the Thai player.
Ever since her injuries, Saina Nehwal has not been seen in her top form. The Indian started her season with a win at Indonesia Open but failed to reach another final on the BWF circuit for the rest of the season.
Later in the day, newly-crowned world Champion, PV Sindhu will kick start her campaign at the tournament. Sindhu won her maiden Superseries title at China Open right after her silver medal-winning campaign at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Having missed out on the podium in 2017 and 2018, the Indian shuttler will be keen on getting another major title in the lead up to the biggest showpiece event in 2020.
PV Sindhu, who is entering the China Open seeded 5th, will meet former Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the opening round. If Sindhu manages to get past the opening hurdle, she has an easy run at least until the quarter-final wherein she may meet 3rd seed Chen Yufei of China.
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