Sports

Shuttler Ajay Jayaram loses in men's singles semifinal

Sentinel Digital Desk

Barcelona: Indian challenge at the Barcelona Spain Masters ended on Saturday with shuttler Ajay Jayaram's defeat in the men's singles semifinal. Jayaram lost 20-22, 12-21 to Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarin in a match that lasted 39 minutes.

Jayaram had defeated compatriot and former world No.1 Kidambi Srikanth Enroute the semifinal.

Earlier on Friday, Saina Nehwal crashed out of the $170,000 Barcelona Spain Masters after she lost 20-22, 19-21 to Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the quarterfinal.

The defeats came as a blow to both Saina and Srikanth who are facing an uphill battle to improve their rankings and secure Olympic qualification. IANS