New Delhi: It proved to be a super Sunday for India as not only did young Virat Kohli propelled the record chase for Men-In-Blue against arch rivals Pakistan in Asia Cup, Saina Nehwal, who turned 22 on Saturday, ended her year-long title drought when she beat former World No 1 Shixian Wang of China 21-19, 21-16 to retain the Swiss Open Grand Prix Gold title on Sunday.
Saina started off well by taking a 7-1 lead in no time but thereafter Shixian slowly found her grip into the match and starting catching up with the Indian ace shuttler. The never give-up attitude of both the champions resulted in a nerve-wrecking first set but Saina showed the nerves of steel and took the game at 21-19.
In the second set both players attacked on all sides and fought hard to wrap up the match. Especially during the second half Saina put up even more pressure and took the lead. Finally the Indian won the set and the title with 21-19 and 21-16 victory over her Chinese rival.
Meanwhile in the men’s singles Chen Jin of China got the better of beat Hyun Il Lee of Korea 14-21, 21-9, 21-17 in a grilling encounter.
Results (finals):
Men's singles: Chen Jin (Chn) beat Hyun Il Lee (Kor) 14-21, 21-9, 21-17; Women's singles: Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Wang Shixian (Chn) 21-19, 21-16.
