Superb Saina does it again, clinches Indonesia Open title

SPORT-SAINA

Jakarta, Jun 27 (PTI) Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal
continued her rampaging form as she completed a spectacular
hat-trick of titles by clinching the Indonesia Open Super
Series with a three-game triumph over Japan's Sayaka Sato here
on Sunday.
Unbeaten for the past three weeks, the top seeded
defending champion defeated her unseeded but resolute rival
21-19 13-21 21-11 in a rollercoaster encounter that lasted 45
minutes.
This was Saina's third successive title, having won the
Indian Open Grand Prix at home and the Singapore Open Super
Series Tournament last week. This is also the 20-year-old
world number three's third Super Series title overall.
In a see-saw battle, the 19-year-old Sato matched the
defending champion shot for shot for most part of the opening
game but was undone by her own mistakes at crucial junctures.
The first game that lasted 14 minutes had both the
players tied 11-11 at one stage and though Saina remained
ahead for most part after that, a gritty Sato did have her
share of chances.
Leading 20-18, Saina could have finished it off on her
own serve but she handed Sato a chance by hitting the shuttle
wide.
But Sato could not capitalise and smacked a forehand onto
the net to give Saina the opening game.
The second game saw Sato making a comeback with the
change of ends also leading to a change in fortunes. The
Japanese proved to be the more dominant of the two players in
these 15 minutes as she raced to a 4-9 lead.
Sato sent down some powerful shots from the baseline and
Saina could only watch as they fell out of her range. The
frustration of being out-witted by a rival ranked 26th in the
world showed when Saina clinched her fist at one of Sato's
unforced errors.
Shaken by the setback, Saina roared back in the decisive
third game. The Indian took a comprehensive 11-5 lead but
continuing her never-say-die attitude, Sato reduced the margin
to 9-13.
The Indian, however, was in no mood to slip up and
emerged triumphant after reeling off four successive points.
A jubilant Saina let out a huge scream after winning the
title, which also made her richer by USD 18,750. PTI PM
RBT


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