Defending Champion Saina Nehwal made short work of Sayaka Takashahi of Japan 21-13, 21-19 to sail into the quarterfinals of the Djarum Indonesia Open Super Series 2013 in Jakarta.
The world #2 , who has not been in her prime form, carrying a win/loss record of 15/6 this season, showed signs of a good comeback.
The Japanese took early possession by opening up a 5-2 lead in the first set. However, Saina Nehwal, seeded second, produced some brilliant smashes all around to overtake her opponent 9-6. The lead was maintained throughout and Saina eventually went on to grab the first set 21-13.
In the second set, again, Takashahi, who has an impressive career win/loss record of 61/20, bought in some tricky shots and took a 11-9 lead halfway down the set. But again, the Hyderabadi played her heart out by covering the lead at 19-19. After the horns being locked up in the thrilling second set, Saina produced phenomenon drop shots and made her opponent run here and there like a hungry chicken and clinched the second set 21-19.
A huge win for Saina today which will certainly boost her morale ahead of the quarterfinals tie. Moreover, the exit of dangerous Chinese duo of Wang Shixian and Wang Yihan has brightened up her chances of winning the title.
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