BWF Superseries Finals: Saina Nehwal in semis

Saina Nehwal

Dec 19, 2014 Hamdam Sports Complex, Dubai

Saina Nehwal of India made it to the women’s semifinal of BWF World Superseries Finals. She defeated Bae Yeon Ju of Korea 15-21, 21-7, 21-17 in her last group match. In her previous group matches, she had defeated Wang Shixian of China 21-17, 21-18 and Sung Ji Hyun of Korea 21-12, 21-18.

Saina opened the match with a comfortable 8-2 lead and maintained good pressure over her opponent. But Yeon Ju fought back hard to level at 13-all. Saina tried to get her momentum back, but Bae kept her focus and sealed the game 21-15.

Second game was like a training session for Saina. She literally played with her opponents returns on the court. Yeon Ju surrendered without fighting. Saina took the game 21-7.

Final game was much better contested. Bae Yeon Ju made Saina work hard, but Saina was determined to avenge her loss in World Championship to Yeon Ju. Bae Yeon Ju was in a narrow lead briefly, but Saina caught back at 7-all. A tough fight ensued. At 14-all, Saina began the final assault and Yeon Ju was left stranded on the court.

Saina won 15-21, 21-7, 21-17 in 66 minutes. She will take on Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in the semifinals tomorrow. Tzu Ying reached the semis with a win against Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand and one loss against Japanese prodigy Akane Yamaguchi.