Indian challenge ends as Sindhu, Jayaram exit Japan Open

The Indian challenge ended at the Japan Super Series following the defeats of shuttlers P V Sindhu and Ajay Jayaram in the women's and men's singles pre-quarter-finals respectively, in Tokyo, on Thursday.

Sindhu, who broke into the top 20 ranking earlier in the day, fought for 52 minutes before suffering a 21-10, 12-21, 18-21 loss to fourth seed Yeon Ju Bae at the Tokyo Yoyogi Gymnasium.

In the men's singles, Jayaram also failed to breach the defence of Malaysia's Wei Feng Chong and lost 16-21, 16-21 in 35 minutes.

There was not much to differentiate between Sindhu and world No 11 Bae. The Indian matched her superior opponent with her smashes, but the Korean proved a bit better at the net, scoring 18 winners compared to Sindhu's 17.

The Indian dominated initially as she opened up an 8-0 lead and even though Bae tried to bridge the gap, she pocketed the first game without much ado.

In the second game too, Sindhu led 3-0, but Bae reeled off five straight points to move ahead. Sindhu clawed back at 8-8 but the Korean broke away from 10-10 and held fort to bounce back.

In the decider, Bae did not allow the Indian to come close as she opened a narrow lead and gradually crafted her way ahead. Sindhu narrowed the margin to 17-19 but the higher-ranked Korean had the last laugh.