Hong Kong Open: Saina crashes out in second round

India’s badminton star Saina Nehwal crashed out in the second round of the Yonex Sunrise Hong Kong Open, going down 19-21, 15-21 to China’s Wang Lin today.

The world number three, who took a brief break from competitive action before coming into the Hong Kong Open, was up against a determined Wang, who was prepared to stick it out and make things as tough as possible for Saina.

The world number 61 brushed aside the yawning gap in rankings, putting up a doughty show to outsmart Saina on both flanks as well as the net and winning the opening game narrowly at 21-19.

Saina had her back to the wall, trailing 6-11 in the second game as Wang surged ahead in pursuit of glory in a contest that lasted 37 minutes.

The Chinese, who enjoyed a 3-2 career head-to-head record against Saina, added another win to her kitty to advance to the quarterfinals.