Hong Kong Open: Indian shuttlers make quick exit

P. V. Sindhu, a two-time bronze medallist at World Championship, couldn’t lead the Indian charge in the absence of world number two Saina Nehwal as she suffered a 17-21, 9-21 defeat against reigning World Champion Carolina Marin in the women’s singles event.

P. V. Sindhu lost to world champion Carolina Marin.

Indian shuttlers made a quick exit from the ongoing Hong Kong Open Super Series after failing to cross the opening hurdle in their respective opening round contests here on Wednesday.

P. V. Sindhu, a two-time bronze medallist at World Championship, couldn’t lead the Indian charge in the absence of world number two Saina Nehwal as she suffered a 17-21, 9-21 defeat against reigning World Champion Carolina Marin in the women’s singles event.

Men’s contingent bows out

In men’s singles, Kidambi Srikanth, Ajay Jayaram and H.S. Prannoy also bowed out of the tournament early. Sixth seed Srikanth went down to China’s Tian Houwei 16-21 21-15 22-24 in a gruelling contest that lasted over one hour and 13 minutes.

Jwala-Ashwini lose as well

Meanwhile, two-time Dutch Open champion Jayaram suffered a 17-21, 12-21 loss against top seed Chen Long. Rising shuttler Prannoy also went down to Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto 15-21, 21-18, 6-21 in the first round.

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa endured a disappointing outing as they lost 12-21 15-21 to Korean pair of Jung Kyung Eun and Shin Seung Chan in their tournament-opener.