Just before leaving home for a series of tournaments, Saina Nehwal, who had been following the French Open keenly, was repeatedly told by her mother Usha that if unknown Swedish player Robin Soderling could upset champion Rafael Nadal, beating a Chinese opponent on the badminton court would not be impossible either.
On Sunday in the Indonesia Open final, Saina trumped China's brightest new star, World No. 3 Lin Wang, 12-21 21-18 21-9 to complete a historic first for an Indian woman in the badminton Super Series. In her first Super Series final, it was a remarkable fight back by Nehwal, after wading through a draw boasting the world's best.
Saina Nehwal, the 19-year old from Hyderabad, is currently the 'most complete player' in Indian badminton and has the making of a World No.1, said 1980 All-England champion and former World No.1 Prakash Padukone.
Considering that Saina is just 19, Padukone felt that she can improve further. 'She is the most complete player in Indian badminton now. Saina has an all-round game. She thinks and plays, and I feel, it is a lesson for all our top Indian players. All she needs to do now is to maintain her focus and work hard,' he said.
Considering that Saina is just 19, Padukone felt that she can improve further. 'She is the most complete player in Indian badminton now. Saina has an all-round game. She thinks and plays, and I feel, it is a lesson for all our top Indian players. All she needs to do now is to maintain her focus and work hard,' he said.
PM Manmohan Singh congratulated Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal. He said: 'Saina's achievement is a tribute to her talent, determination and hard work. It will inspire the women of the country to aim for higher goals in their chosen fields. I congratulate Saina on her extraordinary feat and wish her many more such successes in the future.'
Source: http://in.news.yahoo.com/photos/slideshow/super-girl-saina-nehwal.html?curPhoto=6
