Zulfadli knocked out in first round of Indonesian Open

Zulfadli Zulkifli's campaign in the Indonesian Open Super Series ended early when he lost 11-21, 15-21 in straight sets to China's Wang Zhengming in the first round.

Wang took just 30 minutes to show Zulfadli the exit at Istora Senayan, here yesterday.

Zulfadli when met after the match said he lost his rhythm in the first set and drawn into Wang's tactical play.

"I was still tired after playing two qualifying matches yesterday and could not keep up with the pace set by Wang who is the world number six. Just when I started to understand my opponent, it was already too late," he said.

Zulfadli said after the defeat, he would start preparing for the United States Open in July and hoped the exposure and experience gained here would come in handy at the competition.

"I will be competing in the US Open together with Datuk Lee Chong Wei," he said.

With Zulfadli's exit from the men's singles competition, Malaysia's focus would be on men's doubles pair Goh V Shen/Tan Wee Keong who face Japan's Hiro Katsu Hashimoto/Noriyasu Hirata.

Meanwhile, a number of players had failed to make the first round of the competition, including Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif in the men's singles and men's doubles pairs, Zulfaiz Zulkifli/Zulhelmi Zulkifli and Jian Yi Lee/Zhen Ting Lim.