In the end, it was not to be. Perhaps, the most anticipated victory for India in the world of sports in recent years, ended in a damp squib as Saina Nehwal threw in the towel against Carolina Marin in the All-England final at Birmingham yesterday.


India's Saina Nehwal prepares to receive Carolina Marin's serve during their All-England final in Birmingham yesterday. Pics/AFP 

One could see determination writ large over Saina's face when she walked in with a sense of purpose. There was a frown on her face as she soon got down to business. The first game saw her attack from the start.