Arvind Bhat and Nikhil Kanetkar faltered at the first hurdle in the men's singles, ending India's challenge in the Malaysian Open badminton tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

Bhat lost to local hope Sairul Amar Ayob 1-15, 3-15.

The Malaysian faces seventh seed Hong Chen of China in the second round of the last World Grand Prix tournament before the world meet in Anaheim next month.

Kanetkar performed no better against Agus Hariyanto of Hong Kong, losing 0-15, 5-15.