Olympics: Super Saina beats Baun to enter semi-finals

London: Saina Nehwal played like a champion. High on confidence by her recent wins in Super Series, she seemed unfazed by the experience of 2010 All England champion Tine Baun and defeated the Danish star 21-15, 22-20 to become the first Indian shuttler to enter the singles semifinal of Olympics here on Thursday.

The World No 5 Indian started on a very positive note against the World No 7 Danish shuttler and took an unassailable eight point lead by the middle of the first set. Finally Saina won the first set at 21-15 in just 16 minutes.

Baun came into the second set with a lot more determination and made use of her experience to give some tizzy moments to the Indian. Saina, 11 years younger to the Danish star, fought point by point and at a time when Baun had three match points to defend (20-17), the Hyderabadi sensation came back strongly first to level the score and later win it by 22-20 in 21 minutes to wrap up the game and match to cruise into the semifinal of London Olympics.

Now Saina will meet World No. 1 Wing Yihan of China in the semis.