Asian Games: Sindhu scales another high, Saina loses in semis

Jakarta: P V Sindhu continued her terrific run in major championships as she became the first Indian to enter the singles final of the Asian Games badminton here on Monday.

World No.3 Sindhu saw off second-ranked Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-17, 15-21, 21-10 after teammate Saina Nehwal went down fighting to world No.1 Tai Tzu-Ying 17-21, 14-21 in the first semifinal.

It was Sindhu's third successive win over Yamaguchi having beaten her at the World Championships and in the team event here. Sindhu will be aiming to break her final jinx in Tuesday's title clash with Tai. She has lost four finals this season.

Roller-coaster ride

It was a roller-coaster ride in the opening game before Sindhu went into the break 11-8 ahead. The Hyderabadi used her reach and smash to good effect as she took control of the game and won it 21-17.

Rio Olympic silver medallist Sindhu lost the plot in the second game as she gave away five points after leading 10-6 to go into the break 10-11 down.

It soon became 10-12 before Sindhu arrested the slide with a fine smash. Yamaguchi fought back to take a 15-12 lead and forced a decider as she clinched the game 21-15.

Sindhu regrouped and took an early 7-3 lead in the third game even as the Indonesian crowd was cheering wildly for home hero Jonatan Christie in his seminal against Kenta Nishimoto of Japan. Sindhu led 11-7 at the break and wrapped up the tie 21-10.

"She's a tricky player and it was not as easy as the scoreline indicates in the third game. She's a very good retriever. I am happy to be in final," said Sindhu.

She sounded cautious ahead of the final. "Tai is a very a tough player. Let's hope for the best," added Sindhu.

Saina goes down fighting

Earlier, Tai put paid to Saina's hopes as she won in straight games. Tai was always in control in the opening game despite Saina displaying admirable resilience after trailing 1-5. World No. 10 Saina drew level at 10-10, but Tai went into the break 11-10.

Saina again reduced the deficit from 12-16 to 15-16. But the Chinese Taipei player upped the ante to take the opening game 21-17.

The superior all-round game of Tai was too much for Saina as her opponent surged ahead at the start of the second game. But as in the opening game Saina fought back to make it 6-6.

However, Tai pulled again once more and led 9-6. Saina drew level yet again at 10-10, but Tai went into the break with a narrow 11-10 advantage.

It was soon 12-12 and Saina took lead for the first time in the match at 13-12. A lucky net cord handed her a 14-13 lead, but an unforced error made it 14-14.

Tai was in no mood to take it to the decider as she won eight points on the trot and sealed her place in the final. Saina had to be satisfied with the fact that she was able to win the country's first individual medal in the sport since Syed Modi's bronze in the 1982 edition.

“She’s a very difficult opponent as there is no fixed pattern to her game. She has a variety of shots and has the special ability to win a number of points towards the end of the game,” said Saina.