Out ‘Yu’ Go! – Day 2: Singapore Open 2018
He talked the talk but today Sai Praneeth failed to take the first step in walking the walk to defend his Men’s Singles title in the Lion City.
· GAYLE ALLEYNE
Having declared he was intent on putting up stout resistance against those seeking to relieve him of the crown he had worn since last season, the title-holder was shockingly bundled out of the Singapore Badminton Open 2018 in the opening round.
The even bigger surprise was that his defeat came at the hands of a much lower-ranked player to whom the No.6 seed would not have been expected to lose.
However, it was Yu Igarashi (featured image) who celebrated at the end of their 71-minute encounter, prevailing 16-21 21-16 21-18 while Praneeth cut a dejected figure as he left the arena and was at pains to explain his demise.