New Delhi: Saina Nehwal made India proud once again by realising her dream of attaining the World No 1 one ranking. This is a huge achievement, even though it comes by a bit of default as Carolina Marin, the reigning World champ and All England champion crashed out in the semi-final against Ratchanok Intanon in the India Open Super Series at New Delhi yesterday.

As a result of Marin’s defeat, Saina was assured of being the world’s highest-ranked player even before she stepped on the court for her match against Yui Hashimoto, which the Indian won with consummate ease. Saina will now take on Ratchanok in the final. At present, Saina is arguably the best female athlete produced by the nation.