Badminton: Gordon beaten in semis of Australian Open

New Zealand's Rebecca Gordon has been beaten in the semifinals of the singles at the Australian Open badminton championships in Sydney.

Gordon, ranked 115th, lost to 72nd-ranked Japanese player Chie Umezu 11-4, 11-2.

Gordon had defeated Malaysia's Sutheaswari Mudukasan in straight games in the quarters.

She also exited the tournament in the semis of the mixed doubles when she and Kiwi partner Craig Cooper lost to Malaysians Eue Hock Ong and Mudukasan in a tight three-game match.

Kiwi No 2 Rachel Hindley was knocked out of the singles draw in the quarters by Ireland's Bing Huang in straight games and fell in the quarter-finals of the doubles, with partner Lianne Shirley.

They were beaten by third seeds Kellie Lucas and Tania Luiz of Australia in three tough games.