HYDERABAD: The dragon-slayer is back. Packing lots of venom in her smashes, moving swiftly on the court and employing deception in the drops to devastating effect, Saina Nehwal landed her career's best win by clinching the Hong Kong Super Series title. In a pulsating final on Sunday, Saina tamed Shixian Wang of China 15-21, 21-16, 21-17.
Capping a path-breaking year with a scintillating show, the shuttle sensation silenced the critics who questioned her ability to tackle the Chinese, who fear only two players in the world - Saina and Tine Baun. Though they have managed to work out Tine, Saina has been a thorn in the flesh. Their worst fears came true when the Hyderabadi stunned their Asian Games gold medallist.
Saina, who broke into the top five in March, won three back-to-back titles this June, the Commonwealth gold in October and the prestigious Hong Kong Super Series on Sunday.
"This is the biggest victory of my career. I am feeling great. This has been a brilliant year for me and finishing the season with a big win is just amazing. I can't ask for more," Saina said from Hong Kong.
Saina had lost to Shixian in the quarterfinals of the World Championships. "I have been saying that she's not a very tough player. I am always confident playing her. But beating Pui Yin Yip (to whom Saina lost in the Asiad quarters) and Shixian is really pleasing. This being the last big tournament of the year, I wanted to give my best," Saina said.
Saina was off to a shaky start losing the first game 15-21 but stormed back in style taking the next two games. The 71-minute battle between the gritty 20-year-olds witnessed long rallies, power-packed cross court smashes and even bodyline hits.
Saina shot off to an early lead of 11-5 in the second game and did well to keep the momentum going. Starting on the tougher side in the decider, Saina went into the break with a 11-9 lead and once she moved to the comfortable side of the court, she dominated her rival.
"It's a fantastic victory, the best in her career so far. She has been very consistent throughout the year. We will work hard towards sustaining the momentum," said her coach Pullela Gopichand. Even after this win there may not be a great jump in her ranking. She may still remain at four or move to No.3.
Read more: Saina beats Shixian to cap brilliant year with 4th Super Series title - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Saina-beats-Shixian-to-cap-brilliant-year-with-4th-Super-Series-title/articleshow/7089623.cms#ixzz17xzBFQGj
Capping a path-breaking year with a scintillating show, the shuttle sensation silenced the critics who questioned her ability to tackle the Chinese, who fear only two players in the world - Saina and Tine Baun. Though they have managed to work out Tine, Saina has been a thorn in the flesh. Their worst fears came true when the Hyderabadi stunned their Asian Games gold medallist.
Saina, who broke into the top five in March, won three back-to-back titles this June, the Commonwealth gold in October and the prestigious Hong Kong Super Series on Sunday.
"This is the biggest victory of my career. I am feeling great. This has been a brilliant year for me and finishing the season with a big win is just amazing. I can't ask for more," Saina said from Hong Kong.
Saina had lost to Shixian in the quarterfinals of the World Championships. "I have been saying that she's not a very tough player. I am always confident playing her. But beating Pui Yin Yip (to whom Saina lost in the Asiad quarters) and Shixian is really pleasing. This being the last big tournament of the year, I wanted to give my best," Saina said.
Saina was off to a shaky start losing the first game 15-21 but stormed back in style taking the next two games. The 71-minute battle between the gritty 20-year-olds witnessed long rallies, power-packed cross court smashes and even bodyline hits.
Saina shot off to an early lead of 11-5 in the second game and did well to keep the momentum going. Starting on the tougher side in the decider, Saina went into the break with a 11-9 lead and once she moved to the comfortable side of the court, she dominated her rival.
"It's a fantastic victory, the best in her career so far. She has been very consistent throughout the year. We will work hard towards sustaining the momentum," said her coach Pullela Gopichand. Even after this win there may not be a great jump in her ranking. She may still remain at four or move to No.3.
Read more: Saina beats Shixian to cap brilliant year with 4th Super Series title - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Saina-beats-Shixian-to-cap-brilliant-year-with-4th-Super-Series-title/articleshow/7089623.cms#ixzz17xzBFQGj
