SPORTS
Here is a look into five title wins by Saina Nehwal which allowed her to make a mark in the world badminton circuit.
As Saina Nehwal progressed into the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open Super Series on Friday, thanks to a fine 21-11, 18-21, 21-17 win over China's Sun Yu at the Putra Stadium, this is the latest feather in the newly crowned World Number Ones' golden cap.
Though only time will tell as to whether Saina will capture another title in what has been an excellent year for her so far, this win only brings back memories of what has been a superb career all throughout.
Right from winning a plethora of international tournaments, which broke the Chinese monopoly in badminton, to capturing bronze in the 2012 London Olympics, Saina has been there and done that.
So here is a look into the top five matches which define Saina's achievements in the badminton world which has done the whole of India proud.
1) 2012 London Olympics - Steeped in Bronze!
Agreed that Xin Wang (then World No 2) retired due to a knee injury and thus handed Saina the game on a platter, still credit cannot be taken away from the latter for what was an excellent soujourn for her.
The score read 21-18, 1-0 before Wang pulled out, which meant Saina created history at the Wembley Arena.
Saina thus helped India garner its third medal in London and also managed to halt the Chinese monopoly in the women's game atleast.
Match score - Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Xin Wang (Chi) - 21-18, 1-0 (via a forfeit)
2) 2006 Phillipines Open - Rise of a superstar!
Long before Saina started making waves on the world circuit, this win was only the start of good things to come by for her.
Her 21-15, 22-20 win over China's Julia Xian Pei Wong at Pasig City made her the first Indian woman to win a four-star rated tournament.
Interestingly, Saina was only 16 then and managed to stave off the more experienced and dangerous Wong all throughout, which made the win all the more special.
The win did Saina's confidence a world of good, as more trophies followed by the dozen post that success.
Match Score - Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Julia Xian Pei Wong (Chi) - 21-15, 22-20
3) 2014 Chinese Taipei Open - Grabbing glory in enemy territory!
This win is definitely the stand out win in Saina's career, thanks to it being achieved in the hub of world badminton.
Though she negotiated a swarm of high-calibre opponents enroute to the final, Japan's Akane Yamaguchi stood in her way for a historic win at Fuzhou.
Agreed that 17 year old Yamaguchi did later crumble under pressure and lost 21-12, 22-20, still the win allowed Saina to triumph in badminton's mecca and also pushed her to No 5 in the world rankings.
It was Saina's maiden win in the tournament post six attempts and that makes it all the more sweeter!
Match Score - Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Akane Yamaguchi (Jap) - 21-12, 22-20
4) 2010 Hong Kong Super Series - Comeback kid!
Her 15-21, 21-16, 21-17 win over Wang Shixian of China proved that Saina had the ability to bounce back in big match situations.
Despite being a set down, Saina showed enough tenacity to ward off her World No 5 opponent, and clinched a fantastic One hour and 11 minute long contest at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
The highlight of the game was that of both players playing at break-neck speed, with Saina ultimately standing out as winner post a marathon contest.
It was just the first step in Saina's quest to inch closer to the World No 1 ranking, which left the Chinese top-guns writhing in the process!
Match Score - Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Wang Shixian (Chi) - 15-21, 21-16, 21-17
5) 2012 Thailand Open - Gold dust!
And last but not the least this win at Bangkok helped Saina gear up for the 2012 Olympics, which she did in style!
Saina registered a fine 19-21 21-15 21-10 win over local hope Ratchanok Inthanon, thus showing her big game prowess once again.
Apart from her Swiss Open win earlier in the year, this title allowed Saina to take a huge step in preparations for the London Games, and also showcased her ability to win amidst a partisan atmosphere.
Match Score - Saina Nehwal (Ind) beat Ratchanok Inthanon (Tha) - 19-21 21-15 21-10
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