Saina Nehwal enters Asia Championship quarters, PV Sindhu falls

Wuhan: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal produced a clinical performance as she progressed through to the quarterfinals of the women`s singles event at the Badminton Asia Championship here on Thursday.Fifth seed Saina claimed a 21-14, 21-18 win over Thailand`s Nitchaon Jindapol in the second round contest that lasted 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, compatriot PV Sindhu failed to sustain the momentum after clinching the opening game as the two-time bronze medallist at the World Championship went on to suffer a 13-21, 22-20, 21-8 defeat to eighth seed Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in another second round contest.

Saina remains the last hope for India in the tournament, which is the last event before the Rio Olympics qualification deadline.