New Delhi: Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu guided India through tough challenge from Thailand 3-2 to top Group C at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here Tuesday.
It was vintage Saina on display here as the Indian rode on her array of shots and better court coverage. The Hyderabadi, whose performance graph was questioned by many of her critics, answered back by beating World champion Ratchanok Intanon 22-20 21-14 in the first singles to give India a brilliant start against Thailand.
“I still can’t believe that I beat her in straight games and that too here were I have never played well. I got emotional so after winning. My strokes and movement were alright. I was much better at the net and my defense was also good,” said Saina, who extended her career record to 5-3 over Ratchanok.
Next up, Malaysia Grand Prix Gold winner, P V Sindhu then resisted determined fight back by Porntip Buranaprasertsuk from 11-14 to 19-19 in the first game to eventually prevail 21-19 21-14 in the second singles to swell India’s lead to 2-0.
Jwala and Ashwini’s 21-16, 21-13 victory over Duanganong Aroonkesorn and Savitree Amitrapai gave India the victory to top the group.
However, PC Thulasi and the Saina-Sindhu combination lost the last two matches as Thailand registered two consolation wins to reduce the victory margin in the end.
