Slippery Saina Nehwal fails to grab the title at Syed Modi International

Saina upsets the home crowd in a one-sided final
Saina upsets the home crowd in a one-sided final

Saina Nehwal played a disappointing match as she lost to World Number 27, Yue Han. A one-sided match dominated by her Chinese opponent was unexpected and surprising. The thrilling 34 minutes went in the favour of Yue, 21-18 21-8.

Saina Nehwal was off to a slow start, allowing Yue Han to take a 3-point lead before she scored her maiden point of the match. The Indian crowd was live in action as they cheered loudly, motivating the Indian player. Saina did catch up to 5-5 all after which she established her dominance. The lead was short-lived as Han Yue jumped back with double the power and continued to score points.

Nehwal was able to level it at 8-all, increasing pressure on her competitor. She was able to take a few more points with the mid-game break in her favour at 11-9. With some efficient tips from her coach, Han Yue returned in good form, taking 2 more points. Saina was no less determined as with some powerful smashes on Han Yue's backhand, she built a 5-point gap between the duo.

Her success at it did not last long as Han Yue was successful in levelling the score at 18-all. With no mood to stop, Han Yue continued to excel, snatching the first game from Saina at 21-18.

The next game went completely in Han Yue's favour. Saina did start with a tough fight with both of them at 3-3. However, Han Yue decided to pull ahead, creating a huge point barrier between herself and her opponent. She took the mid-game interval with a 5-point lead against Saina Nehwal.

The break did not do any good to the Indian as she continued to trail back as the gap between them increased. Unable to keep up, Saina gave the match to Han Yue with a lob that went long. The game finished at 21-18, 21-8, thus upsetting the Indian crowd.

India's victory at Syed Modi International Badminton Championship was overall average as Sameer Verma was the only Indian player to take the title.

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Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee
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