China Open 2019: Saina Nehwal crashes out, P. Kashyap, Sai Praneeth moves into 2nd round

The Indian challenge in the women singles ended as Saina Nehwal crashed out in the first round of the Super 750 Fuzhou China Open played at Haxixa Olympic Center, China on Wednesday.

Saina Nehwal was blown away by Cai Yan Yan of China in two straight sets by 9-21, 12-21. It was a disappointing performance by Saina, who looked out of colour and couldn't maintain the intensity right throughout the match. 

In men’s singles, Parupali Kashyap defeated Sitthikom Thammasin of Thailand in two straight sets by 21-14, 21-13 to move into the second round. It was a dominating performance by Kashyap who played with aggressive intent and never allowed his opponent to comeback into the game. He will take on Viktor Axselen of Denmark tomorrow. 

Sai Praneeth defeated Tommy Sugirato of Indonesia in three gruelling games at 15-21, 21-12, 21-10. In the first game, the Indonesian played well and took a commanding lead at the interval. After the interval, Tommy continued his ferocious stroke play to win the first game at 21-15.

The second game saw an commanding display from Sai who dominated the Indonesian and took a 11-3 lead at the interval. After the interval, the Indian continued with his positive approach to win the second game at 21-12 to force the match into a decider. 

In the deciding game, Sai did not relent with his stroke-play and made life tough for the Indonesian. At the interval, the Indian had a commanding 11-3 lead. After the interval, he continued with the same approach and made it 21-12. He will now take on Anders Anderson in second round. 

It was curtains for Sameer Verma as he lost to Lee Chik Yu of Hong Kong in two straight sets by 18-21, 18-21 to be knocked out in the first round. 

The mixed doubles pair of Pranav Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy was knocked out in the first round by Wang Chi- Lin and Cheng Chi Ya in two straight sets by 14-21, 14-21. 

The men’s doubles pair of Manu Attri and Sumeeth Reddy went down fighting in two straight sets 21-23, 19-21 to Aaron Chia and Soh Woo Yik of Malaysia. 

Cover image credits: DNA