Korea Open: Saina Nehwal Loses To Nozomi Okuhara In Quarterfinal
India's Saina Nehwal was knocked out after losing 21-15, 15-21, 20-22 to Japan's Nozomi Okuhara in quarterfinal.
Highlights
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Saina Nehwal was knocked out after losing 21-15, 15-21, 20-22
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Saina Nehwal and third seeded Okuhara remained neck-in-neck
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Saina Nehwal earned the match point first but failed to convert it
Star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal was knocked out of the Korea Open 2018 after she lost a three-game thriller against Japan's Nozomi Okuhara in Seoul on Friday. Fifth seeded Saina Nehwal lost 21-15, 15-21, 20-22 in a match that lasted for 59 minutes.
In the first game, the clash between Saina Nehwal and third seeded Okuhara remained neck-in-neck for the initial nine points. From there, Saina never looked back and went on to win the game against her higher seeded rival.
Tried my level best today but couldn't convert after 20-16 in third set ... will prepare better for next one .. lost to nozomi okuhara in three games 21-13 ,15-21, 20-22 ..#koreaopensuper500 (quarterfinal) pic.twitter.com/8MtfnRfvO3
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 28, 2018
In the second game, Okuhara led 11-8 at the mid-game interval. Heading forward, Okuhara dominated the proceedings to close the game and take the match to the decider.
The decider saw a dramatic finish with Saina Nehwal earning the match point first but failing to convert it.
In the beginning of the third game, Saina maintained a slender lead over Okuhara but she went on to lose consecutive points after taking the match point to allow Okuhara to close the game and win the match.
With Saina's loss, India's campaign at the Korea Open 2018 has come to an end.