Shuttler Saina Nehwal crashed out of the Korea Open after facing a 19-21, 21-18, 8-1 defeat at the hands of South Korea's Kim Ga Eun in a first-round match on Wednesday.

The world number eight retired midway through the third game, sending Kim to the second round. Nehwal was able to win the first game, but Kim made a strong comeback in the second and third games to clinch the encounter.