Saina, Sindhu sail through

Sabi Hussain

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 29

In the second game of her opening round fixture at the India Open Super Series, world No. 8 Saina Nehwal trailed 1-6 against her Chinese Taipei rival, Chia Hsin Lee. 

Saina fought back with some attacking crosscourt winners, drew parity at 7-all and then led Lee 11-9 before again offering her unseeded opponent an opening for a comeback. At 19-10, Saina gifted Lee six straight points. Saina looked visibly frustrated and even let out a scream.

But, regaining her composure, Saina won the remaining two points to finally heave a sigh of relief. With a 21-10 21-17 verdict, Saina sailed into the second round. 

Playing only her third tournament after her four-month injury layoff following a knee surgery, Saina is still struggling to regain full fitness. Today’s match stood testimony to her restricted on-court movement. It was Saina’s crosscourt winners that brought her points but she looked far from her best. Even in the first game, it was Lee who committed several unforced errors to offer Saina easy points.

“I got a bit nervous in the second game,” Saina said. 

“There’s still need for improvement in my on-court movements, but my knee is feeling good. All these matches build your confidence and help you prepare for crucial points against tougher opposition.”

“Lee was a tricky opponent because she is a doubles player. She likes to play quickly at the nets. I couldn’t play my natural rally game. I was anxious to finish off the match and that’s why I made those mistakes,” she added.

Rio Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu also faced some anxious moments against compatriot Arundhati Pantawane in her opening match before prevailing 21-17 21-6. Pantawane matched Sindhu stroke for stroke and even led her 12-10 in the first game but her challenge fizzled out in the second game.  

However, it was India’s Sameer Verma, who caused one of the biggest upsets of the day when he shocked fourth-seeded Korean Son Wan Ho 21-17 21-10 in a 45-minute contest. Verma, who had recently won the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold title, was in sublime form as he dished out an attacking game, replete with angled backhand drop shots and deft net play, to flummox the Korean.

Reigning Olympics champion Carolina Marin had an easy outing against Korea’s Kim Hyo Min, winning 21-17 21-10.