A fighting Saina Nehwal was knocked out of the $700,000 French Open after going down in straight games to Korea’s AN se Young in the women’s singles quarterfinals here on Friday.
The 29-year-old Indian, who had claimed the Indonesia Masters in January this year, lost 20-22, 21-23 to world no 16 Young after a 49-minute thrilling contest.
It was her first quarterfinal appearance since making it to the final eight at the Badminton Asia Championship in April this year. Saina had lost in the first round in the last three tournaments at China, Korea and Denmark.
Saina, who had reached the final of the French Open in 2012, will next play at the Saarlorlux Open starting October 29.