Saina Nehwal upsets Shixian Wang in World Super Series Finals

Saina Nehwal in action against Shixian Wang in Superseries finals

Saina staged a brilliant comeback

Indian Olympic Bronze medallist Saina Nehwal produced a sublime performance to outclass her nemesis Shixian Wang 21-17, 21-18 in the World Super Series Finals held at Hamdan Sports Complex of Dubai. It was redemption for Saina who until now had 5-5 record against Shixian and was beaten four times by the Chinese in last five meetings.

However, Saina made light work of that statistics when she dispatched away the Chinese in 58 minutes with some superb stroke-play and brilliant temperament at the near end.

Saina started off the proceedings on a rather slow note with both the shuttlers going head to head in the first eight points. The Indian took a lead of 10 straight points to tilt the match in her favour. Shixian tried to stage a comeback with some fierce strokes, but the Indian stood her ground to take the first game 21-17.

Jolted by her first game loss, the Chinese replied back in the second set in her own style. She surged ahead to 8-4 giving Saina no breathing space. Undaunted by the rise in her opponent’s game, Saina matched the intensity by reducing the deficit to make it 9-9.

She engaged Shixian in long rallies and coerced her into committing unforced errors. As the game progressed, Saina took full control and unleashed some vicious cross-court smashes. Finally, Shixian surrendered and lost the game 21-18.

Saina will now face the South Korean Sung Ji Hyun against whom she has a superior record of 4-1 in previous meetings.