Indo-Asian News Service
Jakarta, Aug 16: It was a case of so near and yet so far for badminton ace Saina Nehwal as she went down in the final of the World Badminton Championships here Sunday. The Indian shuttler went down 16-21, 19-21 to Spanish top seed and title holder Carolina Marin in 59 minutes to settle for the silver. This was the World No.1 Spaniard’s second consecutive win over Saina in five career meetings.
Though Carolina won the first point of the match, constant errors made sure World No.2 Saina had the lead in the earlier stages of the first game. But then all through the tie, it seemed that Saina lacked that extra spark that is so required in a match of this stature.
The Spaniard drew level at seven-all. But from there, it was just a one way show as the 22-year-old Carolina kept earning points with several winners at crucial junctures, something which Saina was unable to halt.
Both shuttlers displayed brilliant athleticism but when it came to winning the long rallies and points at the net, the top seed proved far better than the Indian. She built up a 16-13 lead and held on to it to win the first game easily.
Saina started the second game on a more positive note. She started hitting some exquisite smashes, beyond the reach of the Spaniard. With a brilliant display of on-court skills, the 25-year-old Saina took a 12-6 lead in the second game and looked well on course to level the match.
But the defending champion wouldn’t give up. With the help of some fantastic cross-court drops from the back of the court, Carolina made a brilliant comeback to notch the next seven points and go 13-12 up.
Carolina almost played a faultless game. She picked up every smash, every drop that came her way and was at ease while picking Saina’s smashes aimed at her body, which did not help the Indian’s morale.
The Hyderabadi somehow closed the gap at 18-all but two brilliant winners from Carolina saw her earn two championship points. Saina saved one but a wide drop handed the Spaniard her second World title.
This was the fourth final encounter between the two. They had also clashed during a quarterfinal at the 2013 Indonesia Open which Saina had won. But on a day when it mattered the most, the Spaniard came out on top. However, this is the best ever show by an Indian in the World Championships as no one else have managed to get a silver.
BWF left red-faced
Jakarta: An incorrect version of the Spanish national anthem was played during the medal presentation ceremony of the Badminton World Championships here Sunday. An older version of the current anthem was played after Carolina Marin successfully defended her women’s singles title, beating Saina Nehwal. “The Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the local hosts for the World Championships have apologised to Marin for playing the incorrect version of Spain’s national anthem,” a BWF statement said.
India’s medals tally
1983 Prakash Padukone Bronze
2011 Jwala Gutta &
Ashwini Ponnappa Bronze
2013 PV Sindhu Bronze
2014 PV Sindhu Bronze
2015 Saina Nehwal Silver