Australian Super Series: Saina Nehwal in semifinal; Sindhu bows out

Sydney: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal reached the women’s singles semifinals with a comfortable straight-game win, but compatriot P V Sindhu failed to cross the quarterfinal hurdle in the Star Australian Super Series, here on Friday.

While Sindhu, seeded eighth, lost 17-21, 17-21 against Carolina Marin of Spain, sixth seeded Saina got the better of Eriko Hirose of Japan 21-18, 21-9 in 47 minutes to set up a clash against world no. 2 Chinese shuttler Shixian Wang in the last four stage of the tournament.

Saina enjoys a 4-3 record against two-time All England champion Wang but the last couple of times they met, the Chinese had won on both the occasions. The London Olympics bronze-medallist Indian got off to a fine start on Friday against her Japanese opponent, as she straight away opened up a 4-0 lead and quickly widened the gap to 8-2. But Hirose fought her way back to make it 10-10.

Although Saina always held an upper hand and maintained a slender lead, Hirose once again came from behind to make it 18-18. But World No. 8 Saina held on to hold her nerves and was quick to take the next three points to wrap the opening game.

A dominant display in the second game by Saina left the Japanese girl gasping for breath. And the only time Hirose even came close to the shuttler from Hyderabad was at 2-3. Sindhu, world no. 10, fought her heart out for 47 minutes but could not overcome the challenge posed by the 11th ranked Spaniard.