Saina & Srikanth sail into the semi-finals of Australia SS

SEVENTH SEED SAINA NEHWAL put her best foot forward today to claim a spot in the semi-finals of Australia Superseries. She was up against second seed Thai shuttler Ratchanok Intanon in the quarters today in Sydney.

As expected the match was a tough challenge and both the shuttlers gave their best. Saina won the match in straight games, 28-26, 21-16. In the first game, both put their best performance, trying to win which left them exhausted at the start of the second game.

Saina was focused in the match and her accuracy helped her immensely. It was seen when she challenged two crucial decisions one in each game and both went in favour of her. The match was half won by her self-confidence and the sheer determination to win.

Intanon looked more fatigued in the second game as it was seen with her misjudged shots. Saina took good advantage of this and controlled the second game, not allowing the match to go for the decider.

She now faces an old foe, Chinese shuttler Wang Yihan. The fourth seed dominates the head-to-head count 11-4. Expect another thriller or even a better one. If Saina can pass this hurdle then again she will be up against a Chinese in the final. She is yet to win a title this year.

On the other hand, men's singles shuttler Kidambi Srikanth has had a comfortable tournament so far. He defeated Korean Kwang Hee Heo in straight games 21-18, 21-17. He now takes on Dane Hans-Kristian Vittinghus in the semis. The head-to-head favours the Indian, 2-1.

It is after a very long time that Srikanth has upped his game and therefore his fans will be hoping to see him in the final. Hans too has been in his best as he helped the men's team win their first ever Thomas Cup. This match too will be nothing less than a cracker.