Saina crashes out of Rio Olympics

In one of the biggest upsets for the Indian Olympic contingent, medal hope Saina Nehwal on Sunday crashed out of the Rio Games after suffering an upset straight-game loss against Maria Ulitina of Ukraine in her second Group G match.

The London Olympics bronze medallist and world no. 5, who had an inflamed right knee, lost 18-21 19-21 to World No. 61 Maria. The match lasted 39 minutes. The Indian star, a former world no. 1, had won the opening match against Brazil’s Vicente Lohaynny on August 11.

Saina looked totally rusty and Maria dominated the pace of the rallies as Saina seemed restricted in her movement.