Sindhu first Indian shuttler to enter final, Saina gets bronze
lier this month, used deceptive flicks to make the score 1-1
Sindhu regained composure in the decider and having Yamaguchi dancing to her tune, led 2-1 and then raced ahead to 11-7. She continued to dictate terms against the diminutive Japanese and stretched her lead to 16-8.
This time there would be no comebacks; Sindhu conceded just two more points before sending a powerful smash to Yamaguchi’s backhand which wasn’t returned. The tie lasted 70 minutes. “It wasn’t easy against Yamaguchi but I was prepared for a long match as she plays a lot of long rallies,” said Sindhu. “Yamaguchi got too many net cords, and even I was surprised for a while.”
London Olympics bronze medallist Saina found it hard to match Tai, who has now beaten her in 10 straight ties. Tai was in her element and never allowed Saina to lead after levelling the score at 10-all in the first game. Saina reduced the gap, reaching 15-16 but Tai claimed the first game easily.
Tai, an Incheon Asian Games singles bronze medallist, continued her dominance in the second game showing good court coverage and excellent retrieving skills in the 36-minute match.
Saina led once at 13-12 but failed to seize the initiative and from 14-all it was Tai all the way.
“I needed to be quicker and have smoother movements, lot more shots as well to finish the rallies. Somewhere, she will catch you. Every rally is a different rally with her. Most players have set pattern but she has got a variety of shots,” said Saina.
“She is someone who is not easy to read. Not all the coaches can read her. As a player I have tried to read but she always comes up with a new shot. She has a complete game. You don’t know where to play her and where to get the points,” said Saina. Last time Sindhu beat Tai was in first round of 2016 Rio Olympics