Indonesia Open Super Series: Saina defeats Tine Baun in Quarters

Saina Nehwal

Saina Nehwal stormed into the Semi-final of the Indonesian Open Super Series Premier beating former world No.1 Tine Baun of Denmark 21-19, 21-19 in Jakarta on Friday.

Just two wins away from defending her title successfully, Saina was always in control of the match though the score line suggests it to be a tight game. Brilliant on the crosscourt. Saina troubled the two times All England Champion near the net. Though Tine closely followed her and was a bit ahead at 18-17, the 21 year old Indian came back strongly to win three points to move to game point. Tine then saved a game point but failed to stop the Indian.

Saina raised the tempo in the second game and at one stage; she was leading 12-7. However, the Dane came back brilliantly with a five-point burst. The sudden onslaught disturbed Saina’s rhythm but the latter did not panic.

Beating Tine Baun at this point of time when the Indian is struggling with her form and tech ique would serve as a morale booster for the 21 year old Indian. Moreover, with this victory the Indian can boast of beating all the top players at least once in her career.

“Though it was a close match, Saina was always in control. I am impressed with the way she attacked Tine. She scored a number of points on smashes. Even though Tine tried a lot to come back into the game, Saina successfully exploited the weaknesses of her opponent,” said Coach Pullela Gopichand.

Saina will face Shao Chieh Cheng later today in the Semi-final and thi will be a good chance for Saina to avenge her Singapore Open defeat. Shao knocked out world no.1 Shixian Wang of China in the second round on Thursday. The fast improving Taipei girl was also very impressive in her 21-17, 21-15 victory over Xin (F) Liu of China in the quarterfinals on Friday.