Badminton: Saina Nehwal wins Indonesia Open
Indian ace Saina Nehwal defeated China’s Li Xuerui.
JAKARTA:
Indian ace Saina Nehwal defeated China’s Li Xuerui to win the Indonesia Open Super Series in Jakarta. The world number five took the women's singles crown and $48,750 prize money by beating world number four Li from a set down 13-21, 22-20, 21-19. “I’m happy to win the tournament,” said Nehwal. “But there is still a lot to be done before the Olympics.” The final and deciding game was a closely-fought contest before Nehwal sealed her victory after Li’s weak backhand return hit the net. Li said she had a shot at winning but caved under pressure. “I think I had the chance but I did not use it very well,” said Li. “My opponent played a tough match while I played under pressure.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2012.
Indian ace Saina Nehwal defeated China’s Li Xuerui to win the Indonesia Open Super Series in Jakarta. The world number five took the women's singles crown and $48,750 prize money by beating world number four Li from a set down 13-21, 22-20, 21-19. “I’m happy to win the tournament,” said Nehwal. “But there is still a lot to be done before the Olympics.” The final and deciding game was a closely-fought contest before Nehwal sealed her victory after Li’s weak backhand return hit the net. Li said she had a shot at winning but caved under pressure. “I think I had the chance but I did not use it very well,” said Li. “My opponent played a tough match while I played under pressure.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2012.