Dubai Super Series finals: Saina Nehwal beats Bae Yeon-joo to top the group

Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal took on Bae Yeon-joo in the last match of the round robin stage. The Indian was confident after winning both her games, while Yeon-joo was looking for her second win of the tournament.

The Korean did not let the underdog tag affect her as she began on a positive note leading 5-2 in the early stages of the first game. Saina attacked the backhand of Yeon-joo and got rich dividends as she narrowed down the lead to just three points at 12-9. However, the World No. 8 did not commit many unforced errors to take the first game 21-15. It was Youn-joo who jumped to a 4-2 lead in the second game, before the Indian made it 6-6.

Saina dominated the rallies with powerful forehands and drop shots. The Korean did try to make a comeback into the game, but it was too late as the Indian won 15 of the 16 points to win the second game 21-7 and take the match to a deciding game. The tension was palbaple in the stadium as the game swung one way and then another. It was Yeon-joo who led 11-10 during the break. Saina returned well and took her chances near the net. A dropshot went in favour of the Indian No. 1 and she led 15-13.

Saina cashed in on a string of unforced errors by the Korean late in the final game to clinch the game 21-17. She topped Group A winning all her three matches.