Monday, June 22, 2009

Saina Nehwal wins Indonesian Open

Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has won the Indonesian Open badminton title with a victory over the higher-ranked Chinese player Lin Wang in Jakarta.

Nehwal also became the first Indian to win a Super series tournament with her 12-21, 21-18, 21-9 victory in a match which lasted 49 minutes.

The world number 8 player came in from behind to defeat Wang, ranked number 3.

India's badminton authorities have hailed her victory and announced a reward of 200,000 rupees ($4133).

"It is a big moment in Indian badminton. We are proud of her achievement", India's badminton association chief, VK Verma, said.

The 19-year-old shuttler from the northern state of Haryana, was the first Indian woman to reach the singles quarter-finals at the Olympics.

Mehwal is also the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships.

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