Indian Badminton League – Saina Nehwal, the favourite of all

Saina Nehwal: in fine form

The Indian Badminton League is moving towards its final leg. A thrilling extravaganza which has attracted a large number of new fans, has served its very purpose. As anticipated, the icon of Indian badminton has led her team Hyderabad Hotshots into the semi-final being played today. The Hyderabad Hotshots have 17 points and led the overall standings, whereas Pune Pistons stood at third place with 15 points.

Pune Pistons are being led by Ashwini Ponnappa, a very experienced doubles player who had won a bronze medal in the World Championships with Jwala Gutta. Though people had put high hopes on Pune Pistons as well, they could not win the league phase.

By and large, the IBL is progressing as anticipated. Apart from Saina Nehwal, it was apprehended that the young PV Sindhu will do well. However, Saina has been able to sustain her aggressive style of play, resulting in Hyderabad’s good show. Off late, she has become more content and much more stable in her game play. In her last match, not only did she successfully manage the long rallies very effectively, but won the points by executing perfect returns. She has also been utilizing the power of smashes very effectively. Her self-esteem and body language speaks volumes about the confidence she is seen carrying nowadays.

Also, she has exhibited all the necessary ingredients of a captain in the way she is cheering up her team-mates. Most importantly, she is consistently performing well and this is vital as she is already world number 4. Hopefully, with her ever increasing experience and skills, she will move forward in the world rankings. Perhaps, all these qualities clubbed together have ensured that Saina is the only player unbeaten in IBL.

In the semi-final, Saina started well against Schenk of Germany. She quickly raced into a 6-3 lead. She was looking comfortable and showed good judgment early on. Saina was clearly dominating her opponent.

Soon, the score became 10-3 as Saina was in full flow. Under pressure, Schenk started making silly mistakes which led to Saina building a healthy lead. She seemed relaxed in the break as well.

Saina was clearly a class apart in all aspects of the game. She took the first set 21-10. Schenk had clearly lost her rhythm. The way Saina was covering the court was really appreciable. The first set lasted a mere 14 minutes, underlining Saina’s dominance.

In the second set, Schenk started decently, taking a 3-0 lead. However, Saina clawed back easily to lead by 5-4. But this time Schenk did not lie down and managed to give a good account of herself. The rallies started to get longer, as none of the two were willing to give up. The commentators were still confident about Saina.

Saina was not letting Schenk to get into her groove completely, and led by 10-6. The crowd started to cheer her on more and more. It was a real delight to watch Saina in full form. Schenk looked desperate and tired in her strokes. Saina was in control of the rallies and looked in amazing form.

However, towards the end, Schenk tried a final comeback and the score became 18-18. There was a final twist as Schenk found renewed energy to win the second set 21-19. Saina was really shocked at this comeback.

In the third set, it was very close from the beginning, and Saina took a 4-2 lead. The commentators were saying that it was really difficult to predict the match result. Ultimately, the quality of Saina’s play began to prevail and she took a 10-6 lead.

It was a wonderful finish by Saina, winning the match 21-10, 19-21,11-8.

Saina once again proved that why she is the favourite of all.