Arvind Bhat [ Images ] and Nikhil Kanetkar faltered at the first hurdle in the men's singles, ending India's [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] tournament before the world meet in Anaheim next month.

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