2015 Japan Open Superseries: Saina Nehwal crashes out in second round

Saina Nehwal lost in straight games

In a massive blow for India’s chances at the Japan Open Superseries, India’s Saina Nehwal was knocked out of the competition in straight games 21-13 21-16 by World No.18 Minatsu Mitani of Japan in the second round on Thursday.

The opening game saw the Indian take an early 3-1 lead before Mitani started to slowly claw her way back into the contest to equal the score at 7-7 and then took the lead to eventually head into the break with an 11-8 lead.

She continued to have the upper hand after the interval, even as Saina tried to peg her back and won the opening game 21-16 to take a decisive lead in the contest.

The second game saw the Indian get off to a flying start as she raced away to 6-0 lead but once again, Mitani started to claw her way back into the match, pegging the Indian back regularly even as the numero uno ranked player in the world led 11-6 at the break.

It was after the break though that Saina began to lose her grip over proceedings as Mitani, first won 5 points consecutively to make it 10-11 and the eventually took the lead at the 14-14 mark. She then managed to hold on to that lead even as Saina tried her best to fight back to eventually seal the game 21-16 and eliminate the Indian from the competition.

This will certainly come as a big blow for the Indian, keeping in mind the fine year that she has had so far and it also brings to an end the Women’s Singles challenge for India at the tournament.

Final Scoreline - Minatsu Mitani beat Saina Nehwal 21-13 21-16