Birmingham: In a major heartbreak, Saina Nehwal lost the women's singles final of the $500,000 All England Open Badminton Championships to Spain's Carolina Marin here on Sunday.

In her attempt to become the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Super Series Premier event, she took off well to win the opening game and lead in the second. However, a major turnaround saw the reigning World Champion demonstrate pure skill and class to earn a come-from-behind 16-21, 21-14, 21-7 win in an hour and two minutes.

Saina Nehwal. Pic/PTI