Saina Nehwal scripted the finest victory of her career in the quarter final of the Philippines Open today, when she upset Chinese-born World No. 4 Xu Huaiwen of Germany in three games, winning the third 23-16. The tournament’s biggest upset took the India No. 1 to where no Indian woman has gone before, into the semi-finals, against Ai Goto of Japan, of a four-star event, and opened the door for an incredible title-win. It has been a superlative performance by the 17-year-old in just her third year on the senior tour. She began her campaign in the tournament in explosive fashion by stunning World No. 31 M Sutheaswari of Malaysia.Saina’s coach Pulella Gopi Chand was understandably delighted with his ward’s display. “It’s a fantastic performance given that she has beaten one of the best players in the world. Her opponent is quite experienced, but Saina really showed the stuff she is made of,” he said.-jaydip.sengupta@expressindia.com
