Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is virtually out of the semifinal race of BWF World Super Series finals after losing her second consecutive Group B match in the USD 500,000 event on Thursday.
The world number 3 Indian surrendered 13-21, 16-21 to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, a day after Denmark's Tine Baun stunned Saina 14-21, 21-11, 19-21. Seeded fourth, Saina looked a pale shadow of herself right from the start of the opening game as her Thai opponent took a 14-5 lead. The 22-year-old Hyderabadi, however, made a spirited comeback by winning seven consecutive points to reduce the lead to 14-12.
Leading 15-13, Ratchanok had the last laugh and riding on her fierce smashes, the Thai girl won six straight points to pocket the first game. Trailing by a game, Saina fought back in the second game. It was neck-and-neck between the two till 16 points when Ratchanok again took off and bagged the next five points on the trot to clinch the match.
The world number 3 Indian surrendered 13-21, 16-21 to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand, a day after Denmark's Tine Baun stunned Saina 14-21, 21-11, 19-21. Seeded fourth, Saina looked a pale shadow of herself right from the start of the opening game as her Thai opponent took a 14-5 lead. The 22-year-old Hyderabadi, however, made a spirited comeback by winning seven consecutive points to reduce the lead to 14-12.
Leading 15-13, Ratchanok had the last laugh and riding on her fierce smashes, the Thai girl won six straight points to pocket the first game. Trailing by a game, Saina fought back in the second game. It was neck-and-neck between the two till 16 points when Ratchanok again took off and bagged the next five points on the trot to clinch the match.