Defending champion Saina goes down fighting in the SF of India SS

SECOND SEED SAINA NEHWAL was stunned by the Olympic champion Li Xuerui 20-22, 21-17, 19-21, in the semi-final clash of the India Open Super Series held at the Siri Fort in New Delhi.

The Saina Squad was in full swing in supporting their favourite shuttler throughout the match which kept motivating the Indian to put up a great fight. The defending champion showed tremendous grit and determination to get back and win the second game.

Meanwhile, Li did not give away points easily and made it difficult for the World No. 6. Smashing and attacking shots displayed by both the shuttlers kept the fans on the edge of their seats. In the initial stages of the final game, Saina was in great control but failed to keep it going.

Few errors, in the end, cost Saina the final game and eventually the match. Though the Indian lost, it was an outstanding match to witness. Nothing could replace watching two best shuttlers play against each other and fight hard till the last minute.

The mighty Chinese will now face the runner-up of last year, Ratchanok Intanon from Thailand in the final tomorrow.