Once again, the world No.1 from Chinese Taipei proved to be the most difficult barrier of Saina Nehwa’s career. Though Saina won a game still Tai reigned supreme 21-13, 13-21, 21-6 in the final of the Denmark Open BWF Tour Super 750 tournament in Odense on Sunday. Tai created history by becoming the first shuttler from Taipei to clinch the Denmark Open title. Though she won almost all the Super Series titles she had not performed well in Denmark.
On Sunday, she repeatedly changed her tactics to silence a determined Saina, who fought ferociously for most part of the final. Tai was in her elements from the first point. Her crafty work at the net which is loaded with a lot of disguise and the accurate on-the line smashes coupled with effortless retrieving ability earned her easy points. Tai was leading 11-5 at the break. Saina upped the ante and played some brilliant smashes but Tai did well to protect the big lead she gained.
In the second game, Saina pushed the shuttle back and hardly allowed Tai to come near the net. The ploy worked as Tai’s returns looked weak giving an upperhand for the Indian. Saina took a 8-3 lead and maintained that throughout the game. Despite losing the second game, Tai realised where she was not going wrong . And towards the end of the second game, Tai returned sharply packing the bird with a lot of pace.
In the decider, Tai got off to a early lead. Returning the shuttle with a lot of pace, Tai gave little time for the already tired Saina to react. By the mandatory change of courts, Tai was cruising ahead at 11-2. After conceding such a big lead against a top player it would require a herculean effort to comeback.
This is Saina’s 11th straight loss against Tai since 2013. But the interesting aspect was that Saina managed to extend the tie to three games after three years. The last time Saina won a game against Tai was in December 2015.
