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Saina Nehwal vs Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Thailand Open GP Gold 2017 semifinal - As it happened

Final score - Saina 19-21 18-21 Ongbamrungphan
Updated: 03 June 2017 16:35 IST - Published: June, 03 2017 04:46 PM IST
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That's all from us today here! See you tomorrow for Sai Praneeth's final.
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A crushing loss for Saina! She fought tooth and nail but her Thai counterpart held her nerve in the end.
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The Thai has two match points now!
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This will go down to the wire! 16-16 after a beautiful drop by the Thai.
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Both shuttlers are looking to break away but it's not just happening. 15-15!
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It's truly anybody's game now! 14-14 as both shuttlers push hard.
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All square at 13-13 now!
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Busanan claims three points in a row. 
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As Saina was threating to pull away, the Thai responds with a delicious drop. 13-10!
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This time it's Saina who goes into the break with the upper hand. 11-8!
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As the players tire out, the match is getting more and more interesting. Saina leads 10-8!
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It's neck and neck here at 9-7! The rallies are getting longer!
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Saina with a slight edge at 7-5.
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A tight start to the second game as well. It's locked at 4-4.
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Underway in the second game and Saina leads 2-1!
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Can Saina fight back in the second?
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The Thai holds her nerve and takes the first game!
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19-19! What will happen next?
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It's anybody's game from here. 18-18!
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It's getting tight now as the Thai clinches four points in a row. It's all square at 17-17 now!
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Saina was looking to break away but the Thai is slowly clawing her way back. She's three points behind now.
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Saina has upped the ante after the interval. She leads by three points now.
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Saina takes the lead for the first time in the match as she wins four straight points in a row. 13-11 now!
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All square at 11-11 now!
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Saina takes point after a long rally! A deceptive forehand drop outfoxed the Thai.
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A tight match so far as Busanan leads 11-9 at the break. Can Saina fight back?
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Saina with a fine point! Dictates the rally and finishes off with a drop shot cross-court. 10-9 to the Thai now.
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Both players making unnecessary errors. 8-8!
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Two unforced errors from Saina make it 6-8.
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Saina forced on the defensive but she defends well and forces the error from the Thai. 6-6!
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All square at 5-5 now. 
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3-5 to the Thai player now. Her backhand is causing Saina some trouble.
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Saina recovers to take back two points but is foiled by a terrific cross-court drop by Busanan.
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Cagey start by Saina. The Thai races into a 3-0 lead.
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The referee introduces the players. And we start! Saina to serve.
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The match is about to begin. The players have arrived on the court! Don't go anywhere.
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The mixed doubles encounter has entered the third and deciding set. Saina's match is lined up after this.
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The mixed doubles semifinal is underway, after which Saina's match will start. Stay tuned!
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Saina Nehwal is just two matches away from claiming the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold 2017 crown and will face local favourite Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the semifinal.

The Indian has enjoyed a good run in the competition so far, with two comfortable victories in the opening two rounds. However, she was stretched in the quarterfinal by Japanese shuttler Haruko Suzuki and won in three games after missing out on a match point opportunity in the second game.

Given her opponent's record, this match should be a real tough one for Saina. The Thai is ranked number 13 in the world and is the fourth seed in the tournament. She has won all three matches comfortably so far, without dropping a single game.

Stay tuned for the action as we bring you all the latest updates and score.

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