17 April,2010 06:34 AM IST | | Sanjay Sharma
It was a fantastic display of comprehensive badminton by Saina Nehwal, the 20-year-old World No 5 and the top seed here at the 2010 Asian Badminton Championship yesterday. In an awesome display of power and control, Saina needed just 31 minutes to demolish seventh seeded Malaysian Mew Chew Wong 21-5, 21-13.
"She was in a killer mood today. I have never seen her so aggressive as in this match. Saina is capable of so much and I am satisfied with her display in every department of the game," said her coach Gopichand.
Saina, in fact, was never tested by Wong as she was much superior, moving swiftly to convert mid-court openings into killer smashes down the line. No area of Wong's court was safe. The Malaysian had defeated Saina last year, but here at Siri Fort she was simply no match for the Indian.
"I am satisfied with my movements and I am not making mistakes. It was a good match for me and I am ready for the semis against Xuerui Li," said Saina.
The unseeded Chinese took care of fourth seed Pui Yin Yip of Hong Kong. Coach Gopi said: "We will discuss our strategy tomorrow and be ready. I have watched Li closely today. If Saina shows the same control and movement, that will be enough for tomorrow."
