Australian Open: Saina advances as Srikanth crashes out

Srikanth, Jwala and Ashwini crash out:

World No. 4 Kidambi Srikanth crashed out of Australian Open Super Series after losing his second round match to Chinese Tian Houwei with the score of 21-18, 17-21, 13-21. After losing the first game, Srikanth recovered to beat Vittinghus 14-21, 21-8, 22-20 in a match that lasted 53 minutes.

Meanwhile, women’s double duo of Jwalla Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa were shown the door by Indonesians Nitya Krishinda Maheswari and Greysia Polii at the end of an intense match that lasted 32 minutes. The fourth-seeded duo defeated the Indians in straight games 21-14, 21-10, to book a seat in the quarter finals.

Saina Nehwal advances to quarters:

World No. 1 Saina Nehwal wins a close match against China’s Sun Yu 21-19 19-21 21-14 to make it to the quarters of the Australian Open Super Series. The Indian survived a scare in her first game by winning it with a narrow margin of 2 points. She made a good start in the second set by gaining a six point lead at 13-7, but the Chinese roared back to snatch the game away from her. Saina held her nerves in the last game to wrap the 1 hour, 18 minutes match in her favour.

Chen Long advances to next stage:

Top seeded Chen Long showed no mercy on his fellow countryman Hu Yuan as he won the 30-minute match by winning straight sets 21-11, 21-8.

World No. 9, Viktor Axelson, who defeated second-seeded Lin Dan the previous night makes it to the quarters after winning a hard fought battle against China’s Xue Song in 19-21, 21-18, 14-21 sets.

Li Xuerui keeps China’s hopes alive as she cruises past Mitani Minatsu 21-16, 21- 14 in 39 minutes.

Top seeds Xu Chen/Ma Jin moved to the quarter finals after defeating Shin Bae Choel/Chae Yoo Jung 21-17, 19-21, 21-19.

A major upset in mixed doubles took place when the Chinese pair of Lu Kai/Huang Yaqiong fell to South Koreans Choi Solgyu/Eom Hye 21-17, 21-23, 21-19.