Saina Nehwal tames Linda Zechiri in the first round of the Indonesia Open Premier Super Series 2011
India’s ace player, Saina Nehwal defeated Bulgaria’s Linda Zechiri in the Women’s Singles Round 1 of the Indonesia Open Premier Super Series 2011, in Indonesia, on Wednesday, June 22.
Saina, who is the fourth seed in the event, started her journey in the Premier Super Series tournament in a remarkable way, as she spared no chance to the Bulgarian to put up a good show in a straight-set contest, which lasted only 30 minutes.
The World Number Four, who is struggling hard to find winning momentum in the current year, has done quite well in the opening match of the Indonesia Open. She held a firm control over the pace of the rallies and remained dominant in the whole set.
Linda put up a little resistance in the starting points, but failed to match the skill and accuracy of her opponent, who was playing far better badminton. Saina sailed easily in the first half where she established a five-point gap by reaching 11-6.
After the 60-second rest, the Saina continued playing with precision against Linda, who failed to return Saina’s well executed strokes in the right areas. The Indian got a one-set advantage by finishing up the first set 21-12, in just 16 minutes.
Saina played to her full potential in the second game and increased her pace at the net. She started to play more at the net by executing straight net strokes coupled with cross clears in the rear court of her opponent. Until the interval, Saina remained
successful in getting a strong position in the set by reaching 11-5.
After the break, the Bulgarian accelerated her speed to catch up with the growing deficit, but she found herself helpless against Saina, who was playing a near-perfect game. The 21-year-old wound up the second set, beating her opponent with a huge difference
of 21-10, by spending only 14 minutes on court. The final result of the straight-set match was 21-12 and 21-10.
In the second round, Saina will fight against Larisa Griga of Ukraine or Petya Nedelcheva of Bulgaria.
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