Ace Indian woman shuttler Saina Nehwal on Friday struggled her way into the semi-finals of the Yonex Chinese Taipei Open defeating Porntip Buranaprasertsuk of Thailand. The second seeded Indian beat less-fancied Buranaprasertsuk, ranked 42nd in the world, 21-19, 18-21, 21-16 to set up a last four clash against Indonesia's Pia Zebadiah Bernadet.
The Indian challenge in the Olympics badminton competition ended on Wednesday when Saina Nehwal bowed out of the women's singles following a quarter-final loss to Indonesian Maria Kristin Yulianti. The 18-year-old Indian, playing in her first Olympics, was beaten 28-26, 14-21, 15-21 by the world No 16 after a thrilling contest.
Bolstered by Australian Open triumph, India ace shuttler Saina Nehwal says she is now working on her half smashes under the watchful eyes of coach Vimal Kumar to get closer to the goal of winning a gold medal at next month's Rio Olympics. "The victory in Australia came at just the right time. I was really looking forward for some change and nothing boosts confidence like winning. I needed a win to keep believing that I am on the right track," the 26-year-old told PTI.
Four years after a bronze at London Games made her the toast of the nation, Saina Nehwal will once again carry a billion hopes when she along with the other six shuttlers, including doubles exponent Jwala Gutta, begin their campaign at the Rio Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, on Thursday.
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