March 28, 2024
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Saina Nehwal loses to Carolina Marin by 21-16, 21-13 in the women’s singles semi finals of the Malaysia Masters here on Saturday.

Nehwal’s exit brought an end to India’s campaign at the first World Tour Super 500 tournament of the season. Saina was a runners-up in the 2011 edition

Tied 5-5 on head-to-head ahead of the clash, Saina had made a good start to the match leading 5-2 at the start but an aggressive Marin reeled off seven straight points to turn the tables before grabbing a 11-9 lead at the break.

The Spaniard extended it to 13-9 before Saina clawed back at 14-14. However, Marin produced a determined effort to reach the game points after gathering six points on the trot. She easily sealed the first game in 20 minutes with a measured return at the Indian’s fore court.

In the second game, Marin was more dominant as she surged to a 6-1 lead early on and kept her stranglehold at the interval with a 11-6 advantage.

Saina, who had won the title in Malaysia in 2017, tried to make a comeback but Marin was always a step ahead. The Spaniard slowly created a huge gap which the Indian failed to bridge.

Marin eventually grabbed eight match points with a cross court smash. Saina saved one with a deep corner smash which Marin failed to connect but the left-handed shuttler produced a straight return next to seal the issue in her favour.

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