Saina Nehwal was the only savior of Indian badminton prestige as she moved into the quarter-finals a few hours ago today in Sydney, Australia. K Srikanth and the Women’s pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa were not able to move beyond the second round. Thus Saina is only Indian remaining in the competition.
Saina Nehwal playing against Sun Yu of China won the first set 21-19 in well fought game. The second game, was equally well fought, Saina could not seal the match as she lost 19-21. In the deciding set, Saina won the third game and the match easily 21-14.
K Srikanth was not as fortunate as Saina. Srikanth playing against Tian of China won the first set 21-18. In the second game, he started losing his stamina and lost the game 17-21. In the deciding set, the situation deteriorated and he lost the game and surrendered the match to Tian.
The world’s 4th ranked doubles pair of Maheshwari and Polii were too strong for the 22nd ranked Indian pair of Gutta and Ponappa. Indonesian pair won the first 21-14 and followed up much more easily to win the second game and match 21-10.
Saina Nehwal meets world ranked number 5 Wang Sxighan of China that promises to be tough match. Saina is favorite but she cannot take it lightly.