Saina Nehwal edges past Thai opponent Pornpawee Chochuwong in thrilling final to annex Malaysia Masters title

Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal annexed the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold title as she put up a dominating performances in the summit clash by edging past her Thai opponent Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 22-20 in straight games.

The London Olympics bronze medallist, Saina, who had her sights set on the Malaysia Master title to boost her confidence after recovering from a knee surgery, which derailed her Rio Olympics campaign last year, made a brilliant start to the year 2017 with a title triumph.

Saina had earlier beaten Hong Kong's Yip Pui Yin in the semifinals to seal her place in the finals.

Saina had thrashed fifth seed Yin 21-13, 21-10 in a lop-sided semifinal.

Saina’s opponent in the final, the unheralded World No 67 Thai shuttler had stunned World No 19 Cheung Ngan Yi, seeded second, 21-19, 20-22, 21-18 in another semi-final match that lasted an hour and 16 minutes.