Kuching (Malaysia): Indian star shuttlers P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal suffered setbacks in the opening round of the Malaysia Open Superseries Premier, while Ajay Jayaram moved into the men`s singles second round here on Wednesday.
Sixth seed and 2016 Olympic silver medallist Sindhu was toppled by world No.13 Chen Yufei of China 21-18, 19-21, 17-21 in an hour and eight minutes.
Sindhu`s veteran compatriot, Saina fell to in-form Japanese world No.4 Akane Yamaguchi, who won 19-21, 21-13, 21-15 in 56 minutes.
The men`s doubles pair of Manu Attri and B. Sumeeth Reddy also crashed out of the competition. The Indian combine lost to Chinese Taipei`s Liao Kuan Hao and Lu Chia Pin 21-18, 18-21, 17-21.
World No.19 Jayaram, however crossed the first-round barrier, brushing aside Chinese Qiao Bin 21-11, 21-8 in 31 minutes.
Later in the day, B. Sai Praneeth and the mixed doubles pair of Sumeeth and N. Sikki Reddy will be in action.
