Saina Nehwal creates history, enters badminton finals

History was made at the Siri Fort Complex in front of home crowd, when she easily defeated opponent Susan Egelstaff of Scotland with straight set win of 21-10 and 21-17.

INDIA's BADMINTON sensation and world No. 3, Saina Nehwal became the first Indian woman to enter the finals of the Commonwealth Games badminton event. History was made at the Siri Fort Complex in front of home crowd, when she easily defeated Susan Egelstaff of Scotland in straight sets 21-10 and 21-17.

The spectators' cheered for her as she stepped onto the court which was the last game of the day. Because of her unforced errors, Saina lost the initial points and the crowd also fell silent. However, the match transformed into an entirely different level as she recomposed herself and took to the winning stride.

She snatched the first set in just 12 minutes from Susan. However, the next game saw Susan pressing force as she started advancing which was powered by by some uncharacteristic mistakes committed by Saina at the net.

Fear gripped the home crowd when Susan took a 17-16 lead from Saina but with maximum levels of perseverance she advanced with a five pointer to enter the finals.

In doubles match Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa also moved into the final with a 12- 21, 21- 13, 21- 11 win over Kate Wilson Smith and He Ting Tiang of Australia.

Saina will meet Malaysian second seed Wong Mew Chew in the final.“It is great to be in the final of the Commonwealth Games," Saina said proudly.