Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu have been shown the door by Chinese Taipei player Tzu Ying Tai and China's Li Xuerui, respectively, in the ongoing Asia Championships 2015 in China.
Nehwal's exit has come as a huge shock for fans especially after the form she has shown in the year so far. The second seed was expected to reach the finals of the competition at least.
The Indian had won the first set of her quarterfinals clash with the score reading 21-16, so the Hyderabadi girl was just a set away from progressing to yet another semifinal.
But, things turned out different for the world number one as Tzu Ying had other plans. She came back strongly to clinch the match 16-21, 21-13 and 21-18 with the game lasting for around 55 minutes.
The Indian was aware about the threat the Taipei player brought to the table, as she enjoyed a 4-5 win loss record against Saina prior to Friday's clash. With this win over the Indian, Tzu Ying Tai has improved her record with five wins and five losses.
Though, Saina's loss against the Taipei star might have been a shock defeat to Indian fans, Sindhu's loss against the top seed, Xuerui, is not a huge surprise for the Indian was just making a comeback into the badminton circuit after her foot injury.
With the Chinese having a wealth of experience in the international circuit, Li Xuerui was always an overall favourite. Now with Saina's exit, she might even have a greater chance of winning the title at home.
Sindhu did put up a huge fight against the former world number one, who won the game in three sets, 11-21, 21-19 and 21-8. Hopes were raised when the eighth seed won the first set, but the Chinese in front of her home crowd showcased her class and won the next two sets to reach the semifinals of the competition.
But, there were plenty of positives for Sindhu from the match as she gave the Chinese a huge scare. The top seed will face sixth seed Yihan Wang in the semi-finals.
Tzu Ying will face Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in the other semifinal.
