Saina storms into final

It's something that8217;s often lost in the flurry of wins from India8217;s Olympic quarter-finalist Saina Nehwal over the last three months...

It8217;s something that8217;s often lost in the flurry of wins from India8217;s Olympic quarter-finalist Saina Nehwal over the last three months: the fact that she is still a junior. The 18-year-old Hyderabadi would like to ensure that Sunday8217;s final of the World Juniors, where she almost stepped down a rung to compete, against Japanese Sayaka Sato wraps up her youth career with a final hurrah.

The Indian has sailed her way through to the final, except an anxious first game against Chinese Shixian Wang in the semi-final on Saturday, where she briefly trailed 11-17. But Nehwal is yet to drop a game at the Balewadi courts here, spanning two tournaments through October.

The title clash assumes greater importance because it is perhaps the first definitive statement of intent India will make at a world event, with men8217;s hope Gurusaidutt travelling in almost parallel lanes to Nehwal, creating a stir here on his way to the last-four.

Even in his exit on Saturday in a thrilling 21-16, 17-21, 21-17 match against Chinese Wang Zheng Ming, Guru proved that it was possible to work around China8217;s towering and power-packed arsenal with mental application and quick on-court strategising.

8220;In the last few days, I8217;ve come back from 12-17 down, and now reached these semis. Even today, I was confident when I could control the net, unfortunately I couldn8217;t continue to attack in the third game,8221; he said. Nehwal said she was inspired by the fight Guru gave his opponent.

India8217;s advance has not gone unnoticed by the Chinese either. Men8217;s top-seed Huan Gao, himself in rampaging form, was stunned by what the Indians dished out here. 8220;Saina8217;s really good, so is Gurusaidutt. But more than the talent, I8217;m surprised by the power in the strokes of this new bunch of Indians. They were never known for this,8221; he remarked.

It8217;s the second world junior final of Nehwal8217;s career, having lost in 2006 at Incheon, but having forsaken a couple of senior ranking meets, she is determined to pocket that title against the Japanese, a known long-rally player, before returning to the grind of seniors. Not that she8217;s let the halo of the career-high World No 11 dim one bit in the last three weeks. Besides, the world junior final is a score she8217;ll be keen to settle.