All England Open: Nehwal knocked out, Sindhu and Srikanth progresses
What's the story
World number 11 Saina Nehwal bowed out of the All England Open. The Indian ace shuttler lost to defending champion and world number 1 Tai Tzu-ying. Saina lost the match 14-21, 18-21 in straight games. There was cheer for men's rising star Kidambi Srikanth, who sealed a thrilling decider against Brice Leverdez 7-21, 21-14, 22-20. Sindhu defeated Chochuwong to move to the 2nd round.
Information
Saina's jinx against Tai continues
This was Saina's eighth consecutive loss against Tai. Saina hasn't beaten Tai since 2013. Tai improved her career record against Saina and has won 10 out of 15 matches. Last win for Saina against Tai came at the Swiss Open in 2013.
Twitter Post
WATCH: Tai Tzu Ying and Saina's post-match reactions
Tai Tzu-ying kicked off her #YAE18 title defence with victory over @NSaina in another high-quality women's singles match in Birmingham! 🏸
— Yonex All England (@YonexAllEngland) March 14, 2018
📹 Reaction from both players👇 pic.twitter.com/yASQBVl1NY
Safely through
PV Sindhu through to second round
India's top ranked and world number 4 PV Sindhu won her match against Pornpawee Chochuwong after surviving a scare. The shuttler started the first game on the front foot after leading 11-7, before Chochuwong came back strong to win 22-20. Sindhu won the second game 21-17 to draw on level terms before dispatching her opponent 21-9 in the third.
Lost hopes
India's women doubles contingent knocked out
In the women's doubles section, the pair of Meghana Jakkampudi and Poorvisha Ram were knocked out in the first round. The duo lost to Japanese pair Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto 14-21, 11-21. They were joined in the ousted list by other women's doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy. The pair lost to Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi 14-21, 13-21.