Sridhar notches another upset, through to QF; exit for Saina

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 16 (UNI) Anup Sridhar continued his giant killing act with a 21-19, 18-21, 21-15 upset victory over 13th seed Mohammad Hafiz Hashim of Malaysia to advance into men's singles quarter-finals of the 16th World Badminton Championship here today.

Sridhar, who shocked reigning Olympic champion and eighth seed Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in the second round yesterday, took just less than an hour to show the door to his higher rated opponent.

The Indian world number 41 now runs into world number one and top seed Lin Dan of China in the quarter-final tomorrow. Dan defeated 15th seeded Dutch Dicky Palyama 21-18, 14-21, 21-11 in another third round match.

In the women's singles, however, Saina Nehwal suffered a straight set defeat at the hands of fourth seed Pi Hongyan of France.

Saina lost 13-21, 17-21 in a 30-minute third round contest.

Earlier yesterday, men's doubles pair of Rupesh Kumar and Sanave Thomas had lost to 14th seeded Indonesian duo of Hendra Gunawan and Joko Riyadi 13-21, 14-21 in the second round.

UNI