Saina Nehwal loses to Okuhara in the women’s singles at the BWF Super Series finals played at Dubai just few moments ago. It was her first match in Group A. Saina Nehwal looked in not great form as she went down in straight sets.
In the first game both players took 1 point each. Okuhara took 2 points in succession to take a 3-1 lead. The Japanese player dominated Saina and led 8-5. Saina came back well and reduced the gap to 8-9. Saina equaled the score at 9-9 and then took a lead for the first time. At the interval Okuhara had a slender lead of 11-10 at the interval. After the interval Saina leveled the score at 11-11 before Okhuara played some excellent badminton and never allowed Saina to come back into the match. Okuhara won the first set 21-14 easily.
In the second game both players again took 1 point each. Okuhara took a 3-1 lead. Saina looked out of form and made a lot of errors. The Japanese player then took a 8-3 lead. At the interval Okuhara led 11-3. After the interval the same pattern continued as Okuhara put pressure on Saina and won the second 21-6 easily.
She will face Carolina Marin in her next match which will be big match. A win is a must to remain in contention for the semi finals.