Badminton World C'ship: Srikanth crashes out, Saina, Sindhu enter quarters

While ace Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth failed to reserve his seat in the quarter-final of the ongoing Badminton World championship on Thursday, former world number one Saina Nehwal and Olympic silver medallist PV Sindhu cemented their spot in the last 16 of the tournament.

Srikanth lost to world number 8 Daren Liew of Malaysia 21-18, 21-18 in the pre-quarters clash. The Indian shuttler started on a convincing note but could not get past his Malaysian opponent who gave him no chance to make a comeback.

After failing to dominate in the first game, Srikanth had his chances in the second game but he could not capitalise on the chances and conceded the game to crash out of the tournament.

On the other hand, Nehwal cemented her spot in the quarter-final of the tournament after defeating Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand 21-16, 21-19 in the third round clash.

After the initial restlessness, the Indian shuttler completely took over the first game and did not break much sweat to get past her Thai opponent. Making a comeback in the second game, Intanon improved her game and tried her best to rattle Nehwal. However, the joy did not last long for the Thailand player as Nehwal won the second game after experiencing some thrilling moments in the final stage of the match.

Meanwhile, continuing her good run in the tournament, Sindhu stormed into the quarter-final following a comprehensive 21-10, 21-18 victory over Sung Ji Hyun of South Korea. Riding on the back of some superb flashes, Sindhu made a quick task of her Korean opponents as she looked unstoppable on the court.

Putting up some fight in the second game, Sung Ji Hyun tried to hit back but the Indian shuttler proved too quick and aggressive for her. In absolutely clinical performance, Sindhu easily got through the pre-quarter stage.

While Nehwal will take on Carolina Marin of Spain in the quarter-final clash, Sindhu will face Japanese shuttler Nizomi Okuhara to get into the semi-final of the tournament. The quarter final clashes are slated to be held on August 3.