Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal breezed past her rival Thai teen Ratchanok Intanon to enter into the semifinal of French Open Super Series. Using all her experience, Ms. Nehwal gave a toast of her amazing forehand skills for which she is widely known for. She won in straight sets 22-20 22-20 upsetting the dreams of Ratchanok to make it to the next stage. The Indian proved to be too costly to her as she wrapped up the game in mere 42 minutes. Ever since Saina has returned from the Olympics, she has been showing a lot of consistency with improved shot selection.
Currently holding World No. 3 rank, Saina was left with few jitters too when the Thai appeared to have been swinging the game in her way. On the other hand, seventh seed Ratchanok displayed good sportsmanship by playing to her best, who is ranked 10th in the world. The Hyderabad girl has been in scintillating form ever since she won Denmark Open last week. If she could continue the winning streak, then becoming No.2 will soon be a formality. She will now lock horns with German star Juliane Schenk in the semifinal, who is great form as well by beating Chinese shuttler Chen Xiao Jia 21-10 21-14.
With the memories of Denmark Open final still afresh in the minds of everyone, it would be interesting to watch the replay between Saina and Juliane. It has to be remembered that she is on the hunt for her third Super Series title in a row. Though an injury during the London games is still bothering her, Saina has been putting up a spirited display during every game. The rewards have been overwhelming for the Olympics bronze medallist so far. It was an interesting first game that appeared to be equally poised, but was finally won by Saina who used all her experience. The initial lead maintained by Saina was 11-7 and soon turned out in favor of Ratchanok with 20-20, but was finally won by the Indian ace 22-20.
Much was in store for Saina during the second game as Ratchanok carried on with her fluent gaming. However, the Thai girl couldn’t give up a spirited display that required her to win the game. Eventually, the second game too went in favor of Saina who won it 22-20 and won the match too in style. She owes her brilliant performance to her coach Gopichand who stood by her during her injuries. In fact, it was the strict regime that worked wonders for her.
Participating in international tournaments regularly is not an easy task. Moreover, her critics came back harshly at her after she has been found attending promotional events back home. There were even those who felt that she is wasting her time for such inconsequential matters instead of devoting her time to practice. However, she gave a fitting reply to all those who criticized by winning successive titles and how heading for the third. By going all through all these developments, it can be concluded that Saina has surely silenced everyone.
