Saina Nehwal vs Sayaka Sato Live Score and Commentary Badminton Asia Championships First Round

Sato wins 19-21, 21-16, 21-18

Updated: 26 April 2017 11:28 IST - Published: 26 April 2017 09:50 IST

That was disappointing no doubt after Saina managed to eke out the first game. It is evident that the Indian still needs a bit more time to be able to return to top form.

Final score: Sato wins 19-21, 21-16, 21-18.

And Sayaka Sato defeats Saina Nehwal for the first time since 2011.

2 MATCH POINTS as Sato leads 20-18

Another point as Saina makes it 18-19

17-19 as the Indian takes a point

16-19...now or never for Saina!

15-18 now

Saina now trails 14-17.

14-15 now

Saina trails 13-15 now.

4-point lead for the Japanese at 15-11....will she complete a famous victory?

Sato still leads 12-10 after the break.

Sato is up 11-9 at the mid-game interval.

Sato ends Saina's six-point winning streak to go up to 10-9

And....9-9...the fighter in Saina has WOKEN UP!!

It's 8-9...Saina trailing by just 1 point!

4 consecutive points for Saina to make it 7-9.

2 points for Saina to make it 5-9

Time running out for Nehwal!

9-3

The Japanese is looking more and more confident now....up now 8-3

Sato jumps ahead to 5-3

3-3 now as none giving the other an inch of space.

Can Saina turn this around?