By NewsGram Staff Writer

In a defeat which is sure to break many hearts, Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, 'lost' her World No. 1 rank in Malaysia Open Super Series at Kuala Lumpur.

She lost to the Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the women's single semi-finals by 21-13, 17-21, 20-22. The latest victory of Xuerui was her 9th in the 11 matches played between the two.

The Indian shuttler started the match on an energetic note by winning the first set but lost momentum as the match progressed.

The three set encounter finished on a high note for spectators, but it was curtains for Saina after she lost the decider 20-22 to Xuerui.

Saina had earlier beaten Xuerui twice, at the 2010 Singapore Open and 2012 Indonesia Open.