Saina Nehwal enters World Badminton semis, Carolina Marin out – Watch Video

Saina Nehwal defeated Kirsty Gilmour 21-19, 18-21, 21-15 to enter the semi-finals of World Badminton Championships. On the other hand, defending champion Carolina Marin crashed out after losing to Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara 19-21, 21-14, 15-21 in quarters.

Saina Nehwal beat 16th seed Kirsty Gilmour 21-19, 18-21, 21-15 to enter the semi-finals of World Badminton Championships. The Olympic bronze medallist staved off the challenge from local favourite Kirsty to assure herself of at least a bronze. Saina had come into the match with a 4-0 head-to-head record against the 23-year-old Scottish but she didn’t play her in the last three years. She’ll will now face seventh seed Nozomi Okuhara of Japan, who knocked out the two-time defending champion Carolina Marin 21-18, 14-21, 21-15 in another quarterfinal match.

Saina Nehwal will take on Nozomi Okuhara of Japan in the semis of World Badminton Championships. (AFP)

With PV Sindhu already in the semis, there is a chance that both Indians could face off in the final on Sunday, provided they beat their respective opponents on Saturday.