Saina Nehwal intercepts Wang Shixian to advance into semi-finals of Indonesia Open 2012
Badminton queen Saina Nehwal of India thundered in quarter-final match against Wang Shixian and powered her way to semi-finals of the Djarum Indonesia Open on Friday, June 15, 2012.
Both Women’s Singles experts demonstrated their craft in Istora Senayan Stadium of Jakarta and earned great deal of admiration from local spectators.
This 96-minute tussle can be tagged as the best encounter of ongoing Super Series tournament so far as it prolonged to three exhausting sets before ending with 21-17, 21-23 and 21-19.
World Number five shuttler Saina Nehwal clearly dominated in most part of the competition as she prevailed in first and last set while losing second one with a narrow difference.
Meanwhile, the Chinese girl also performed exceedingly well but luck was not at her side this time and she had to bid farewell to the event.
The Indian lady showed her panache in very first set when she outclassed her challenger technically and tactically.
In opening half of the set, she took some time to read opponent shuttler’s game as she struggled until 8-6 but still managed to stay close.
Saina launched an effective counterattack strategy and finished this part of the game with a slight edge in 11-10 total.
After the interval, she kept her challenger under control until score position of 14 but then lost grip for short span of time which allowed the opposing shuttler to counterbalance the situation with 14 each.
However, the Indian girl picked up the speed and finished this race with notable margin of 21-17.
Next segment of the show proved most captivating as both contenders put all in their possession to achieve their respective goals.
First part of the game belonged to Saina who placed staggering total of 11-6 and entered in second half with great confidence.
The story was entirely different after the break as Wang Shixian stormed back and snatched crucial match point with decisive figure of 23-21.
Third and final set was also played in same manner as both shuttlers snapped each other’s heels all the way to final moments but the Indian campaigner sealed her victory with 21-19 margin.
Now the critics are giving Saina better odds as she is scheduled to meet a low ranked Korean shuttler Sung Ji Hyun in the semi-final round.
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