India’s badminton stalwart Saina Nehwal’s run at the World Championships came to a disappointing end on Friday as she suffered a crushing straight-game loss to two-time champion Carolina Marin at Nanjing, China.
One of the most awaited match-ups turned out to be a one-sided affair as reigning Olympic champions Marin gave her ‘A’ game once again to wrap up a 21-6, 21-11 victory.
The mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponappa also crashed out from the quarter-final, losing 17-21, 10-21 to Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong of China.
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A 5-4 head-to-head battle meant a little as Marin demolished Saina with ease as the Spaniard was on full control of the match, screaming with passion after winning each point.
“Her movement was very quick today. She was moving so fast and covering the court very quickly. The kind of shots that she played, it seemed like she was suddenly very fast. Also I had a late match yesterday so to face someone so quick was difficult. I didn’t understand what to do, she never gave me a chance to play my game,” Saina told reporters.
Marin said: “I’m doing well since first day. I was in control today. I’m the fastest in the world, it is my strength and I have to keep doing it. I am happy to reach the semifinal. The favouite player (Tai Tzu Ying) to win the tournament lost today, so ll try to give best tomorrow against China’s He Bingjiao.”
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Marin left Saina completely bamboozled as the left-handed shuttler finished the game in just 12 minutes.
Saina started the game well but Marin took the game away with her stroke play and impeccable placement.
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