Saina Nehwal creates history

World No. 2 shuttler Saina Nehwal became the first Indian to enter the final of the badminton World Championships, defeating local girl Lindaweni Fanetri 21-17, 21-17 in the semi-final here on Saturday.

Even before the start of the semifinal encounter, it was clear that Saina’s real challenge was to recover well from the emotional roller-coaster she went through after winning her quarterfinal against long-time nemesis Yihan Wang.

Though Carolina won the first point of the match, constant errors made sure World No. 2 Saina had the lead in the earlier stages of the first game.

“I never thought I’d reach the final,” Saina had said yesterday (August 15). She seemed to be in her elements, but soon lost steam, which allowed her opponent to bag the next seven points in a row.

It would bode well for Saina if she sticks to her game plan and stay tactically aware. The Indonesian had to take some tips from the team doctor after feeling some pain in her knee at 7-6.

But refusing to be bogged down, Carolina, who was far more adventurous than the Indian when it came to approaching the net, recovered with six back-to-points to make it 12-12.

Carolina nearly played a faultless game. But she was buoyed by the vociferous crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium who inspired her to pull back the deficit every time Saina surged to a lead. It was apparent throughout the last four tie that the London Olympics bronze medallist was not at the same level.

But the unsteadiness evident in her opening round matches gave way to sensational form later in the tournament, delivering Marin her fourth title of the season.

In the final on Sunday, the 25-year-old Saina Nehwal will meet defending champion and top seed Carolina Marin of Spain. World championship medal was one thing which was missing in her list of laurels. Legendary shuttler Prakash Padukone was the first Indian to win a bronze at the 1983 edition.

Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa bagged a women’s doubles bronze in 2011 World Badminton Championships. By disposing off Shixian Wang in the quarters as well, Marin and Nehwal have together ensured that China would for the first time return empty handed from the medals tally at the World Championships.