Shuttlers Saina, Sindhu lose in All England quarters

Birmingham March 11 (IANS) India s campaign at the All England Open Badminton Championships came to an end as women s singles shuttlers P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal suffered defeats in the quarter-finals here on Friday.

Sixth seed Sindhu could not muster a challenge against Chinese Taipei s top seed Tai Tzu Ying as she lost 14-21 10-21 in 34 minutes. Tai looked sharper and her delectable drop shots rattled Sindhu throughout the match.

With this win world No.1 Tai has taken an impressive 6-3 lead in career meetings with 2016 Rio Olympic silver medallist Sindhu. Tai also registered three consecutive wins over the Hyderabadi.

Eighth seed Saina fought hard but could not avoid a 20-22 20-22 defeat to South Korean third seed Sung Ji Hyun in 54 minutes.

It was a heartbreaking loss for Saina who came close but could not pull it off at critical junctures at the Barclaycard Arena.

The win was Sung s only second triumph in eight games against 2012 London Olympic bronze medal winner Saina.

Only two Indians -- Prakash Padukone and current chief coach P. Gopichand -- have managed to win titles at the world s oldest tournament. While Padukone won in 1980 Gopichand s feat came in 2001.

--IANS
pur/sku/