Saina in cruise control, big win for Ashwini-Satwik in World Championship

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal sailed into the women's singles quarterfinals after defeating former champion Ratchanok Inthanon of Thailand in straight games at the World Championship here today.

The Indian mixed doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Ashwini Ponnappa also stood one step away from a medal after pulling off a stunning victory over the Malaysian world no.7 combination of Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai.

Saina, who had clinched a silver and a bronze medal at the 2015 and 2017 editions, downed 2013 champion Inthanon 21-16 21-19 to set up a meeting with Olympic champion and former two-time world champion Carolina Marin of Spain.

"It is a very good win. She is known for deceptive game. Second game was going my way, but suddenly she played some difficult strokes, she was every where and made it 19-19. At that point, Gopi sir made a big role. He told me what to do and I followed that and the game turned in my favour," Saina said after the match.

"Pressure is less on me now because the last few tournaments I haven't been able to cross the quarterfinals but I have played well at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championship. But I can see that the form sometimes goes here and there but I am happy it is coming back in important events."
Talking about her next match, Saina said: "I have played her at Denmark Open last, she is quick and aggresive player and it would be a challenging match for me and I will just look to give my best."