Saina storms into quarterfinals

Beijing:

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal is just one win away from ensuring another individual medal for India after she stunned fourth seed Chen Wang of Hong Kong to move into the quarterfinals of the women's singles badminton event at the Olympics on Monday.

Saina, ranked 15, defeated Wang 21-19, 11-21, 21-11 in a grueling pre-quarterfinal contest at the Beijing University of Technology Gymnasium here.

After first two easy encounters, Saina had to bring her best to get the better of World No. 5 Wang. Both the shuttlers were neck and neck in the first game till 19 points when Saina stepped up the accelerator to seal the game with two consecutive points.

However, Wang took full advantage of the 18-year-old Indian's lapse of concentration in the second game and level the scores. But a rejuvenated Saina came back strongly in the decider and raced on to 6-0 lead. She was also helped by Wang's high number of unforced errors in the decider.

From there onwards there was no looking back for Saina as she booked her last eight place with ease with some elegant placement and immaculate drop shots.

Featured Video Of The Day