Saina Nehwal defeated Okuhara in quarter-finals in straight games 21-16, 21-13 at China Masters Super Series played in China just few moments ago. It was a dominating performance by Saina Nehwal who outplayed her opponent in all departments and never allowed her to come back into the game.
In the first game, both players started off taking 2 alternate points. Okuhara took 3 points in succession to take 5-2 lead, but Saina came back to equal the score at 5-5. Saina Nehwal began to control the game and took a 10-8 lead. At the interval, Saina Nehwal led 11-8. After the interval, Saina Nehwal dominated the match playing excellent smashes and drop shots. Saina Nehwal was aggressive and did not allow Okuhara to come back into the match. Both players took alternate points till 20-16. Saina Nehwal took the next point and sealed the first game 21-16.
In the second game, Saina Nehwal was aggressive with her play and dominated the Japanese player right from the start. The Indian player took a 6-3 lead and took another 5 points. At the interval, Saina Nehwal led 11-3. After the interval, Okuhara tried to comeback and took 4 successive points to reduce the gap to 9-13. The Japanese player made a lot of mistakes and Saina grabbed the chances with both hands. The last two points of the match Saina Nehwal played excellent drop shots to seal the second game 21-13.
With this win she progressed into the semi-finals where she would meet Wang Yihan.