Holder Nehwal bows out of Indian Open

New Delhi:  Defending champion Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Indian Open on Saturday after going down to China's Li Xuerui in a thrilling semi-final in New Delhi.

The former world number one put up a valiant fight before suffering a 20-22, 21-17, 19-21 defeat at the hands of the reigning Olympic champion in the 72-minute-long match.

"I had big leads but she came back, she was picking up everything," Nehwal said after the game.

"She was maintaining good rallies and was hitting some good shots to the line. Obviously such matches give you a lot of confidence but it can also be irritating to miss out like this."

In the other women's singles semi-final, fourth seed Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand cruised past South Korea's Bae Yeon Ju 21-8, 21-11.

The men's singles saw Danish fifth seed Viktor Axelsen thrash Son Wan Ho of South Korea 21-11, 21-11 to set up a final contest with Japan's Kento Momota.

Momota, the second seed, bagged the match 17-21 3-6 after his Chinese rival Xue Song retired in the second game.

Nehwal's defeat brought the curtains down on the Indian challenge in the super series event with the other top contender P. V. Sindhu having bowed out in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Nehwal, 26, opened up an early lead Saturday but the Chinese fought back with two quick points to turn the tables on the Olympic bronze medallist and win the first game 20-22.

The Indian seized on some unforced errors made by her opponent in the second game and sealed it with a sizzling drop shot.

The decider saw Nehwal race to a 11-7 lead but she hit the net twice at a crucial juncture, allowing her rival to pocket the game and the match.