KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 1 Ng Eain Yow was blown away in the first round of the Windy City Open in Chicago on Wednesday.
The World No. 20 lost 5-11, 9-11, 2-11 to American world No. 53 Todd Harrity, a lower-ranked player, whom the Malaysian had beaten twice before.
National No. 2 Addeen Idrakie also fell in the first round. losing 11-6, 11-13, 5-11, 3-11 to Leandro Romiglio of Argentina.
In the women's competition, Malaysia's Aira Azman came back from the brink of defeat to upset world No. 35 Georgia Adderley of Scotland 10-12, 6-11, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4. World No. 44 Aira will face England's fifth seed Georgina Kennedy next.
Rachel Arnold also advanced by defeating Englishwoman Grace Gear 12-10, 11-8, 11-8. But she will face an uphill task against world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini of Egypt in the next round.
But world No. 38 Aifa Azman was upset by Egypt's world No. 43 Malak Khafagy 11-13, 11-9, 11-8, 10-12, 5-11.
World No. 16 S. Sivasangari, who received a first round bye, will take on Wales' Tesni Murphy in the second round.
National head coach Ajaz Azmat said that he was shocked by Eain Yow's performance. "We are not sure what happened and why he lost to a lower-ranked player. He must be very upset with himself.
"It's not the right time to talk to him. We will give him some time to relax.
"But I'm happy with Aira's performance as she fought back from two sets down to beat her opponent."