(BEIJING, June 11) -- Japanese badminton player Hirayama Yu lost in the first round of the Singapore Open women's singles competition to Jang Soo Young of the Republic of Korea in a close, three game match on June 11.

Seeded No. 8 in the tournament, Hirayama was unable to finish off unseeded Jang despite winning the first game 21-13. Jang edged Hirayama 24-22 in the second game and then took the decisive third game 23-21.

Jang will now face compatriot Hwang Hye Youn on Thursday afternoon.