Hong Kong: PV Sindhu’s hopes of winning back-to-back Super Series titles were dashed to ground as World No. 3 Tai Tzu-ying of Taiwan beat the Indian ace shuttler 21-15, 21-17 to win the women’s singles at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday.

PV Sindhu, who had won China Open in Fuzhou last week, failed to match the pace of the Taiwanese player, who unleashed a mix of well-timed lobs and drop shots in her 21-15, 21-17 victory. “It was a good game overall, but it was her day,” said Sindhu.

Tai had a relatively easy first game as she controlled the game and placement of the shuttlecock. Though Sindhu fought back in the second, but Tai pulled away in the latter half of the game.

Meanwhile, in the men’s singles, India’s Sameer Verma lost 21-14, 10-21, 21-11 to Hong Kong’s Angus Ng, who won his first super series title after battling through a tough three-game with the Indian shuttler.

The hometown favourite won the first game 21-14 win in the first game. But the 43rd ranked Verma fought back and won the second game 21-10. The 14th ranked Ng later regained composure in the third as his opponent struggled with unforced errors and lengthy rallies and won 21-11.

Verma said, “I was a little bit nervous. I didn’t expect to reach the finals.”