China Open: Saina Nehwal suffers first-round defeat, PV Sindhu advances to pre-QF

New Delhi: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal suffered a first round defeat at China Open where she lost to Thailand's Porntip Buranaprasertsuk 16-21, 21-19, 14-21.

This was Saina's first match after she took a break from badminton post her second round defeat at Rio Olympics 2016. The Hyderabadi shuttler underwent a knee surgery after the prestigious event and was looking to get back to winning ways at the tournament.

Saina lost in her second match of the Rio Olympics to lower-ranked Maria Ulitina of Ukraine and what followed was a surgery and a long rehabilitation programme.

Meanwhile, Silver medalist from Rio Olympics PV Sindhu advanced to the pre-quarter final stage with a 21-12, 21-16 victory over China's Chia Hsin Lee.

Sindhu is looking to clinch her first super series title.