Sindhu Topples Saina In World Rankings

New Delhi: Riding on her maiden Super Series Premier title at the China Open, Olympic silver medallist P V Sindhu entered the top 10 but Saina Nehwal crashed out of the elite bracket in the latest BWF world ranking.

Sindhu, who clinched the China Open last week, jumped two places to grab the ninth spot, while former World No. 1 Saina, who is on a comeback trail after recovering from a serious injury, slipped five places to 11th spot, owing to her first round exit at China Open.

In the Destinational Dubai ranking for the BWF Super Series Final, Sindhu (38,490) is ahead of Saina (38,080) by a few points and their performance at the ongoing Hong Kong Open will determine who qualifies for the prestigious tournament next month.

In men's singles, Ajay Jayaram jumped four places to reach the 19th spot, while H S Prannoy also improved two spots to climb to the 25th place.

Kidambi Srikanth, who skipped the China Open, remained the best Indian men's shuttler at 12th spot.

Sindhu enters Hong Kong Open semis, could meet Saina in last four stage

Meanwhile P.V. Sindhu won a tough three-set battle to defeat Xiaoyu Liang of Singapore and enter the semi-finals of the Hong Kong Open badminton tournament here on Friday.

The Olympic silver medallist faced a tough challenge at the Hong Kong Coliseum before scripting a 21-17, 21-23, 21-18 win in one hour and 19 minutes.

The 21-year-old could face compatriot Saina Nehwal in the last four stage if Saina wins her quarter-final later in the day.

Sindhu was off to a difficult start with Liang taking the lead in the early stages of the opening game. She trailed by three points at one stage but pulled alevel at 8-8.

A run of four consecutive points saw her take a 14-10 lead and the Indian never looked back from there, going on to take the first game.

The second game was a bitterly fought affair. Liang again enjoyed a better start, taking a 3-0 lead but Sindhu soon restored parity.

The lead changed hands several times with the Indian taking a 16-12 lead at one stage following a four-point streak.

Liang equalised at 18-18 which set up a tense finish. With both shuttlers locked at 21-21, the Singaporean took a couple of back-to-back points to take the second game and level the scores.

Sindhu was in trouble in the third set as well with her opponent leading 14-7 at one stage. But the Hyderabad shuttler staged a superb fightback to win six back to back points and draw level at 15-15.

With the momentum firmly behind her, Sindhu continued her resurgence to clinch the game and the match.

--IANS