Saina Nehwal crashes out, S Praneeth enters final of Thailand Open

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Thailand Open after suffering a straight-sets defeat against local girl Busanan Ongbumrungpan in the semi-final clash here on Saturday.

Ongbumrungpan defeated Nehwal 21-19, 21-18 in a match that lasted less than an hour.

Ongbumrungpan will now face Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the summit clash on Sunday.

Meanwhile, B Sai Praneeth booked his place in the finals of the men's singles event of the tournament after registering a straight-sets defeat against local player Pannawit Thongnum.

Praneeth defeated Thongnuam 21-11, 21-15 in just 36 minutes.

The third seeded Indian completely dominated the opening game. Thongnuam tried hard to take the fight to Praneeth in the second game, but the final outcome hardly looked in doubt.

The world number 24 will now take on fourth seed Jonathan Christie--- who registered 21-9, 21-18 win over Malaysia's Joo Ven Soong in the other semi-final match---in the summit clash on Sunday.

-ANI