Saina Crowned as Winner in China Open Superseries Premier

The China Open Superseries Premier (November 11-16) saw an end to the host country’s six-year winning streak in the singles events, with Saina Nehwal (NANORAY 900) coming out on top with the title in women’s singles. Saina battled her way through China’s fierce local shuttlers, meeting fellow YONEX player Akane Yamaguchi (VOLTRIC 80) in the final. Saina took advantage in the gap in experience between her and Akane, skillfully leading the opening game by jumping to a 3-point lead, and continuing to dominate at 8-4. Forcing errors on Akane, Saina controlled the first game confidently, and beat her opponent in the end by large margin in game 1. Akane demonstrated more skill in the second game, boasting swift footwork and focused smashes. While Akane was showing intense tenacity in the second game, Saina eventually managed to win over her young rival after a series of fierce rallies. The match closed at 21-12, 22-20.



While Saina won the title, Akane demonstrated a top-notch performance throughout, beating local shuttler and No. 2 seed Wang Shixian in the second round, moving on to beat Korean shuttler and No. 5 seed Bae Yeon Ju in the semifinal.

Marc Zwiebler (ARCSABER 11, SHB-87EX) impressed in the men’s singles, reaching the semifinals and defeating No. 1 seed and world No. 2 Chen Long in the second round. In the longest match of the day, Marc forced a decider in the second game competing neck-and-neck with the Chinese juggernaut. Coming back from 10-17 down, the German No. 1 fought tenaciously to win game 2 at 25-23. The deciding game was also tight, but Marc managed to secure the match with a score of 13-21, 25-23, 21-19.

The YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open commences tomorrow, so be sure to keep your eyes on YONEX shuttlers as they make their way to December’s Superseries Finals in Dubai.

Women’s Doubles (Final)

[6]Saina Nehwal (NANORAY 900) def. Akane Yamaguchi (VOLTRIC 80) 21-12 22-20