Sameer Verma stayed on course for his title defence while three-time former champion Saina Nehwal too reached the semi-finals with an easy win at the Syed Modi International tournament here yesterday.

Sameer eked out a 21-18, 16-21, 21-11 win over China's Zhou Zeqi and will face Indonesian Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in the semi-finals. Saina beat former national champion Rituparna Das 21-19, 21-14 to set up a meeting with Indonesia's Ruselli Hartawan.