Saina Nehwal eases past Russian Olga Golovanova in 2nd round of BWF World Championships

FILE PHOTO: Saina Nehwal

There was a kind of excitement all around on Day 3 of BWF World Championships. After all, Indian star shutter Saina Nehwal was playing her first match and taking on the Russian player Olga Golovanova.

Saina had a good game against the Russian shuttler as she eased passed her 21-5, 21-4. Ranking wise, Saina is ranked world no. 3, whereas the Russian girl stands at world number 66.

The noticeable fact was that throughout the game, the Russian kept on getting tips from her coach, whereas our learned coach sat comfortably.

This was pretty much a one-sided affair and a clear difference between the skill levels of both the players was visible in the game. Saina did not appear to be fully match fit, though it was a pleasure to see her playing and taking the lead after so many of her recent inconsistent performances.

Saina was the firm favourite for the match and justified that notion when she won the match in just 23 minutes. Coach Pullela Gopichand seemed happy – a good omen for the tougher tests ahead.

We hope that Saina will continue playing like this in her upcoming matches as well. Best wishes. A nation is looking up to you!