Saina Nehwal’s impressive run at the Malaysia Masters came to an end following her straight-game loss to reigning Olympic and World champion Carolina Marin of Spain in the semifinals, here on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Indian, who won the title in 2017 and was runner-up in 2011, went down 21-16, 21-13 to fourth seed Marin in a 40-minute match.
Tied 5-5 ahead of the clash, Saina had made a good start leading 5-2 at the start but an aggressive Marin reeled off seven straight points to turn the tables before grabbing an 11-9 lead.
Determined effort
The Spaniard extended it to 13-9 before Saina clawed back at 14-14. However, Marin produced a determined effort to gather six points on the trot.
She easily sealed the first game with a measured return to the Indian’s fore court.
In the second game, Marin was more dominant as she surged to a 6-1 lead and kept her stranglehold at the interval with an 11-6 advantage.
Saina tried to make a comeback but Marin was always a step ahead.
The Spaniard slowly created a huge gap which the Indian failed to bridge.
Marin eventually grabbed eight match-points with a cross court smash. Saina saved one with a deep corner smash which Marin failed to connect, but the left-handed shuttler produced a straight return next to seal the issue.
The result :
Women (semifinals) : Carolina Marin (Esp) bt Saina Nehwal 21-16, 21-13 .
