SINGAPORE - Hopes of a second straight upset at the Malaysia Open ended in defeat for Singapore badminton mixed doubles pair Danny Bawa Chrisnanta and Vanessa Neo.

They were beaten 21-17, 21-12 by China's world No. 1 and reigning Olympic champions Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei in the quarter-finals.

The Singapore duo, chasing after precious ranking points in their quest for a spot at the Rio Olympics in August, had hoped to earn a first semi-final spot at a Superseries Premier event. They beat world No. 8 Jordan Praveen and Debby Susanto of Indonesia on Thursday.

But the day had its share of upsets in the other events, perhaps none more shocking than Jan O Jorgensen's thrashing of China's Lin Dan. The Danish world No. 5 beat the two-time Olympic champion in just overhalf an hour 21-17, 21-4.

Women's singles world No. 1 Carolina Marin was also sent packing, losing 13-21, 15-21 to China's world No. 6 Wang Yihan.

But a much-anticipated showdown between world No. 1 Chen Long of China and home favourite Lee Chong Wei remained on course. Chen beat team-mate Tian Houwei 21-16, 21-16 while Lee got past Dane Viktor Axelsen with a 21-14, 21-13 victory.