Malaysia Open: Sindhu enters 2nd round; Saina bows out

Kuala Lumpur: Indian star shuttler PV Sindhu grabbed a victory over Thailand's world no. 10 Pornpawee Chochuwong in the first round of the Malaysia Open badminton tournament here on Wednesday. Playing in Court 2, Sindhu won in straight games, 21-13, 21-17, to advance into the second round o the tournament, Asian News International reported.

Sindhu was favoured for her great start and swift movement throughout the match. Though the Thailand opponent tried a comeback in the second set, Sindhu managed to seal that too.

Meanwhile, India's Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal lost to American Iris Wang in 37-minute straight games 11-21, 17-21. Also, India's doubles team B Sumeeth Reddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost to the Netherland's world no. 21 pairing of Robin Tabeling and Selena Pie in the decider. The Indians lost the 52-minute match 15-21, 21-19, 17-21.

Earlier, India's HS Prannoy had started his campaign in Malaysia Open with a win over host's Liew Daren in the first round. The score was 21-14, 17-21, 21-18. When Prannoy bagged the first set, Daren fought back to seal the second. But, Prannoy managed to win the third tight set, winning the match altogether.