China Open 2018: PV Sindhu enters pre-quarters, Saina Nehwal bows out

Saina, who was the first Indian to win the China title in 2014, lost 22-20 8-21 14-21 to Korea's Sung Ji Hyun in a 48-minute opener.

PV Sindhu looks to break final jinx

Srikanth, a former world No. 1 whose best finish this season has been a semifinal appearance at the Malaysia Open, will face China’s Huang Yuxiang.

Ashwini Ponappa and N. Sikki Reddy will clash with Hong Kong’s Ng Wing Yung and Yeung Nga Ting in the women’s doubles.

With two bronze medals in 2013 and 2014 and a silver last year, Sindhu has an impressive record at the tournament.

The lack of infrastructural support from the government has prevented the state to produce the likes of Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu.

Top seed Kidambi Srikanth and world number 10 H.S. Prannoy also advanced to the last eight stage in men’s singles in contrasting fashion.

Saina won 21-18 23-21 in the high-pressure match that lasted an hour.

Saina staged a remarkable comeback in the second game to win the match 21-18, 23-21.

The Rio Olympics silver medallist dished out an attacking performance to upstage Yamaguchi 21-19, 21-15 in 36 minutes.

Sindhu won her singles match and then partnered N. Sikki Reddy to a win in the doubles.