INDIA OPEN 2012 – Saina chokes on Bae

Saina Nehwal was one of the casualties of the pre quarters at the Fort Siri Complex, New Delhi, during the Yonex Sunrise India Open this Thursday. The Indian champion was ousted by Korea’s Bae Youn Joo 19-21, 10-21 and leaves the women’s singles event, while her compatriot Sindhu nailed Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun to make it even between the two countries. Amongst the other casualties, Tine Baun from Denmark was shown an early exit by Chen Xiaojia, in straight games, leaving Juliane Schenk as the sole representative for Europe.

Gu Juan from Singapore makes it to the quarter-finals which will have an impact on the Olympic qualification as Thailand’s Porntip should then be dropped from the program as she will barely be passed to keep the 16th spot necessary for her to join compatriot Intanon. China looks strong in the draw with 4 shuttlers in the last eight.

Denmark’s Hans Kristian Vittinghus can thank Taufik Hidayat who finally stunned Wang Zhengming as the soft-spoken Dane is assured of ending the Olympic Qualification period within the top 16 – and a (slight) chance to still make it to London, should his NOC prefer him to higher-ranked Jorgensen or Gade. He could also be sent at the last minute replacement if any of the former were injured before the competition. Lee Chong Wei and Taufik will meet in the quarter-final while Chen Jin and Peter Gade are one step away from meeting in the semi-final for what could be a symbolic fight for the 4th spot in the world ranking. Gade, however, will have to win the overall tournament if he wants to pass Chen and deprive him from a London ticket.

All Results HERE