(S.Ravi Seshu)
The much-awaited great showdown between two Indian badminton titans–Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu–narrowly missed as the former lost in quarterfinals unlike the latter, who stormed into semifinals, in Hong Kong Open Super Series on Friday.
Riding on the crest of the memorable victory in China open last week, PV Sindhu once again staged a come-from-behind feat to enter the semifinals by defeating Singapore’s Liang Xiayou 21-17, 21-23, 21-18. The Rio Olympics silver medallist, Sindhu was six points down in the final game of this quarter-final match but she maintained her cool and composure intact to register another sweat victory.
In the first two games, Sindhu had a poor start but she picked up the momentum as the matches progressed. After making it 10 all, the star of Indian badminton switched her gears to make it 17-13 and eventually wrapped up the match.
The second game went in favour of Xiayou in a thriller. In the decider, the Singaporean took a massive lead (15-9) thanks to series of unforced errors committed by Sindhu. The comeback queen clawed back to make it 14-15 and eventually tied at 18-18. Sindhu won the next three points with a stunning performance to move into the top four.
In another quarter finals held later, the former World No-1 Saina squandered a wonderful opportunity of breaking into top four as she lost to Hong Kong’s Cheung Ngan Yi 8-21, 21-18, 19-21. The semifinalist in Denmark Open last month, Cheung looked to make it a one-sided affair by winning the first game hands down. Poor line calls, ineffective net drops and unbelievably defensive attitude proved costly for the Indian.
But the fighter in Saina roared when it mattered. Leaving sluggishness behind, Saina accelerated her onslaught from the second game onward. Saina, for the first time, roared when the score was 17-16 in the second game that she bagged. In the decider, spectators could see the old Saina as she raced past her fittest opponent. Saina comfortably placed herself with a five point lead at 9-4 but the face of the game got changed as she conceded five consecutive points.
Saina saved a match point but the local girl covered all corners of the court with ease and dashed the hopes of Saina.
Had Saina won the quarterfinals, she would have faced the Chinese Open winner PV Sindhu in the first semi-finals on Saturday.
