Dubai Superseries Finals- Day One

This is a serious mauling for Saina and the match against Carolina Marin on Friday is now a virtual knock out

Thats the match for Okuhara. 21-14 21-6

14 match points for Okuahara. 6-20

This is turning into a real nightmare for the Indian She is down 6-18

A fine rally ends with Okuhara taking another point. Saina down 4-15

Saina needs a real streak of points and that streak has to come now

Massive massive task ahead of Saina

At the break in the second Nozomi Okuhara leads Saina Nehwal 11-3

This is turning into a very one-sided affair. 3-10

Another hit on to her own net. Saina down 3-9

Thats on the line from Saina. 3-7

Okuhara leads by 5 points. Up 7-2

Saina hits it again onto her net. Down 2-5

Okuhara has begun well in the second game. Leads 3-1

As we said earlier as well, the support for her in the arena is maginificent

She looked good in parts in the opening game but needs to raise her game significantly in the second

Saina Nehwal has a lot of work to do in her opening match against Nozomi Okuhara.

Game Nozomi Okuhara. 21-14

6 game points opportunitiies.

Thats on the line. Okuhara leads 19-14

Saina hits it on to her own net. 18-14

.@NSaina & her super squad are set to take the courts of Dubai by storm! #SainaSquadInDubai https://t.co/qUYzqqmVdC
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 9, 2015

Wide from Okuahara. 14-17

Saina needs to close the gap here.

Wide hit from Saina gives Okuahar a 5-point lead. 12-17

Saina down 12-15. Key key phase in this game

Okuahara targeting either ends before hitting it straight. Leads 13-11

A superb rally ends with Saina winning a point near the net. Its 11-11

After a edgy start, Saina recovered well to close the gap. The opening few points after the break will be vital

A shot aimed at the body of Saina gives Okuhara a 11-10 lead at the interval

Who will lead at the interval?

10-10

Saina leads now 10-9

A "Come on" yell from Saina and the match is back on level terms. Its 9-9

Its 8-8. Saina back in the contest with a 4-point streak

Deficit down to 1. 7-8

Another point for Saina. 6-8

Fine winner down to her left gives Okuhara a 4-point advantage. 4-8

Saina needs to improve her net play here.

A well timed shot towards Okuhara's right gives Saina the point. 4-6

Fantastic support for the Indian in the arena

Okuhara hits it into her own net. 3-5

Cheers accompany Saina's second point of the game. Down 2-5 though

This isn't the best of starts for Saina in the opening game . Down 1-4

Not great judgement from the Indian there. Down 1-2

Out. Saina takes the opening point of the match. 1-0

The announcement of Saina's name is met with loud cheers. Saina to serve

Sainaaaaaaaa 🎉🎊
— Juhil susanna.c (@juhil_susanna) December 9, 2015

Chants of 'Saina Saina" in the arena

Loud cheers as Saina Nehwal walks out for her match