Update: Ashwini-Jwala crash out

The Indian presence at the German Open ended rather early, with Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa failing to make the quarterfinals. In their second round match against formidable adversaries and world No.8 pair Cheng Wen Hsing/ Chien Yu Chin of Chinese Taipei, the Indians crashed out 21-14 17-21 21-12 on Thursday. The other Indian participants had all exited the tournament by Wednesday.

The big story of the day however was world No.5 Chen Jin’s surprise defeat byHong Kong’s Wing Ki Wong. Wong, an upcoming youngster from Hong Kong who had surprised Lin Dan at the Denmark Open last year, handed Chen Jin a 21-9 21-17 thrashing. The result was all the more unexpected because Chen Jin was looking at a strong performance in the European circuit to climb up into the world top four and guarantee a place for himself in the Olympics.

Compatriot and top seed Lin Dan however did not raise a sweat as he cruised his way into the quarterfinals past Pablo Abian of Spain. Abian’s compatriot, the teenager Carolina Marin, had a sensational result when she knocked out world championships silver medalist Cheng Shao Chieh of Taipei in the first round. Most of the other favourites, including top seed Wang Xin of China, local heroine Juliane Schenk, and world junior champ Ratchanok Inthanon booked their spots in the quarters.

Wing Ki Wong, who upset world No.5 Chen Jin of China