The ace shuttler of India, Saina Nehwal is out of the Malaysian Open Super Series in the first round. The second seeded Japanese Akane Yamaguchi made the former world no. 1 bow out in deciding third set. Although it was a confident start by Saina as she started the game with first set win of 21-19 but wasn’t able to hold the fort for the next two sets.
In the match which lasted for 56 minutes, Saina started off dominantly. The 19 year old Akane was “a no match” for experienced Saina in the first set. Saina held her nerves to take the set by 21-19 but by that time Akane stepped up the challenge and took the match from the former world number one. The Japanese showed no remorse as she made a comeback against much experienced Saina Nehwal.
It was the exhibition of sheer class by the World No. 2 Akane as she came from behind to bridge the gap and take the match in her favor. In the next two sets the 5’1” tall Akane showed far better game than Saina and took the game and match by 13-21, 15-21. The aggressive play of Akane earned her the match. She looked as if she was in no mood to spare anyone on the other side of the court.
The only good news came for India was about Ajay Jayaram who sailed through to next round beating China’s Qian Bin 21-11, 21-8. Saina is craving for a super series win and with the kind of matches she is playing, she really needs to pull her up. She has been the face of Indian badminton and she has to show her prowess on the court. Badminton is a popular game for youngsters in Asia and I really wish this ageing superstar to make a comeback soon.