Full credit to Nozomi Okuhara for believing in herself and coming back even when Saina clearly had the upper hand. She was able to impose her physical game punctuated by those low shots at the net that took the game away from the Indian. She thus becomes the first Japanese to make it through to the women's singles final at the World Championships.
But what an effort from the Indian....one year ago, she endured major disappointment at the Rio Games and she has recently even admitted that she regrets going to the Olympics....it followed a painful few weeks of surgery, rehab and trying to get back to the Tour.
The performance she showed today despite the loss should stop all her critics. Saina is VERY MUCH on the way back.
Let us hope Sindhu can bring a smile at the end of the day.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda for all the latest updates from the 2017 World Championships.