Jakarta: The imperious World No. 1 women’s singles player Tai Tzu Ying delivered a masterclass as she beat Saina Nehwal 21-9, 21-13 in the final of Indonesia Masters in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday.
Tai was in complete control in the final, wasted little time racing to a 10-2 early lead over Nehwal in the first set with her brilliant trick shots that caught Nehwal off-guard many times. Tai continued to pull out her trademark trick shots and jumped to the 9-3 lead in the second set to eventually clinch the Indonesia Masters women’s title in Jakarta.
The 23-year-old Taiwanese told reporters after the match that she was excited to win the title especially this would help her get ready for the Asian Games that will also be held in Jakarta in August.
“I am happy that I was able to play well today. This could help me prepare for the Asian Games later this year,” said Tai.
Besides the Asian Games, Tai said she is also eyeing the World Championships in July, in Nanjing, China.
Tai didn’t play at last year’s World Championships because she would like to retain the gold in front of the home crowd at the Universiade that was held in Taipei, and she did that facing little competition.
In women’s doubles, Olympic champions and No. 2 seeds Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi of Japan took control of the whole match to see off No. 8 seeds Greysia Polii/Apriyani Rahayu of Indonesia 21-17, 21-12 in 48 minutes
The 2018 Indonesia Masters was the third tournament of the 2018 BWF World Tour and offered prize money of US$350,000.