Mutatkar reaches semi-finals

Leading 20-17 in her decider in Bulgaria, Aditi Mutatkar8217;s mind threatened to drag her back to her last Grand Prix final in Germany where she squandered match points. But the Pune shuttler, playing the quarters at this GP meet, killed a few demons when she beat Indonesian Maria Elfira Christina of Indonesia 14-21, 21-14, 21-18 to make the semi-finals.

Playing defensively in the first game against the higher-ranked and fourth-seeded rival, Mutatkar, seeded fifth, changed the pace of her game in the second. The third game went level till the Indian, who should break into the Top 50 now, jumped to a 20-17 lead 8212; a familiar position, from her last week at Germany8217;s Bitburger. 8220;I went more aggressive at that point, and that did it. I was relieved. I just wanted to win, I know how bad you feel when you don8217;t win close matches. I thought I8217;d had enough,8221; said Mutatkar after her 1 hour 10 minute-long match. She next plays local hope and top-20 Petya Nedelcheva. 8220;Playing the Asians, we tend to tire out. Today I8217;m glad I could outlast her,8221; she said.