Sports icons laud Saina for entering world badminton semis

Sports icons on Friday took to Twitter to congratulate ace shuttler Saina Nehwal for reaching the singles semi-finals at the badminton world championships on Friday.

"Heartiest congratulations to #Saina," Indian shuttler and Saina's contemporary Jwala Gutta posted on the social networking site, along with a few 'clap' emoticons.

V.V.S. Laxman wished Saina "good luck" for the upcoming matches and hoped she would win the title.

"That was an exciting match :) Well done @NSaina Good luck for your upcoming matches and hope you will win the World Championship Title," posted Laxman.

"Congratulations @NSaina on entering the maiden semis of World Championship. All the best for the Gold," wrote Indian left-handed batsman Suresh Raina.

In a marathon match that lasted an hour and 12 minutes at the 9,000-seater Istora Senayan, World No.2 Saina came out with a sensational performance to oust former world champion Yihan Wang of China 21-15, 19-21, 21-19 and advance to the last four stage after seven years and six attempts.

Saina will now take on local talent Lindaweni Fanetri for a place in the summit clash, against whom the Olympic bronze medallist has a 2-1 advantage in career meetings.