Saina goes down fighting in Malaysian Super Series | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Saina goes down fighting in Malaysian Super Series

PTI | By, Kuala Lumpur
Jan 09, 2009 07:08 PM IST

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal played her heart out but eventually ran out of steam as French Hongyan Pi beat her in a gruelling quarterfinal encounter of the Malaysian Super Series in Kuala Lumpur

Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal played her heart out but eventually ran out of steam as French Hongyan Pi beat her in a gruelling quarterfinal encounter of the Malaysian Super Series in Kuala Lumpur. The World number 10 Indian went down 17-21 26-24 16-21 to Pi, whom she had beaten in the World Super Series last month, after a nerve-wracking 56-minute battle. World number eight Pi made her intentions clear right from the start and opened a 9-6 lead before stretching it to 15-9.

HT Image
HT Image

But Saina soon narrowed the gap to 13-15 claiming four straight points. However, the Indian could not keep up the pace and the first game slipped out of her hands 17-21. Pushed to the brink, Saina came back strongly in the next game going neck to neck from 5-5 to 16-16 before Pi pocketed three quick points to open a three-point lead at 19-16 but a gutsy Saina smashed three points to draw level. Levelled at 24-24, Saina broke loose and grabbed two quick points to pocket the game 26-24 and stay afloat in the match.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

However, the Hyderabadi teen run out of steam in the last games and after some initial resistance, she lost the plot as Pi walked away with the game 21-16.

Saina will next play in the Korea Super Series from January 13-18 next week.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On