Super Saina wins three badminton titles in three weeks (Roundup)

JAKARTA - Indian star Saina Nehwal Sunday won the Indonesian Open Super Series for her third straight badminton title in three weeks, defeating a fighting Sayaka Sato of Japan. The win is expected to lift her to World No.2 in rankings.

As her parents watched her play on television at their home in Hyderabad, top seeded Saina overcame Sato 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in the final play here.

Saina was a strong favourite to defend her title after winning the Indian Open Grand Prix and the Singapore Open Super Series, in the last two weeks that saw her climb two places in the rankings this week, marching ahead of the three top Chinese players.

The 20-year-old Indian, with many records to her name, is expected to go up one more place in the world rankings after her stupendous run. The No.1 badminton player in the world is Wang Yihan of China.

“This is one of my most memorable victories,” a jubilant Saina said. “Today’s victory has given me more confidence. My next aim is the World Championship.”

In Hyderabad, Saina’s father Harvir Singh shed tears of joy as he saw her daughter walk up to the victory podium. “It is a wonderful feeling, and we are very proud of her,” he said, covering his tear-filled eyes.

“We are very proud of her. Her victory proves that women are doing well in sports in India,” he added.

Saina’s mother Usha was deluged with congratulatory phone calls from friends and relatives. “Sato was pretty fast but Saina maintained a rhythm and played good strokes. We will give her a grand welcome.”

Coach P. Gopichand told IANS: “Winning three tournaments is really amazing.”

Although the top Chinese players did not take part in the tournament, it is still a huge achievement for Saina, considering she now has three Super Series titles.

It began here one year ago when she first won the Indonesian Open. On Sunday, she used all her experience to get past giant-killer Sato, who gave a strong fight to the Indian.

The packed crowd had a sprinkling of Indians waving the Indian tricolour.

Sato, ranked 26 in the world, had defeated two seeded players, including third seed Zhou Mi of Hong Kong.

The resilient Japanese, who in 2008 lost to Saina in the final of the World Junior Badminton championship in Pune, bounced back from a game down with some crisp drop shots.

Saina, coached by former All England Champion Gopichand, made a confident start and quickly opened up a 8-4 lead. But Sato caught her up at 11-11 exhibiting brilliant backhand shots.

The Japanese also took advantage of Saina’s errors.

It was a neck-and-neck battle from thereon, with both players competing fiercely for every point.

Sato took the lead at 17-16, but Saina surged ahead pocketing three points before finishing off the game.

The left-handed Sato dictated the course of play in the second game, putting Saina under pressure. With a supple wrist, the Japanese set up the points beautifully even as Saina tried hard to comeback.

Sato took a 6-2 lead and consolidated on it to put it beyond the Indian, who preserved her energy for the decider.

Saina came back strongly in the second game. It was her net play that got the better of the Japanese, who struggled to read Saina’s game.

Once Saina went up 8-5, Sato went down with a string of errors.

Saina served for the match as a hush descended on the stadium. But soon it exploded into cheers and applause as Saina screamed after Sato shut out her chances with a wild shot.