Dubai: India’s top badminton players Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth took a big step on way to reaching the semifinals at the World Super Series Finals by securing their second straight wins in their respective groups here on Thursday.
Srikanth, who has reached a career-high world No. 6 in the rankings, celebrated his rise by beating eighth-ranked Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia 21-18, 21-13 at the Hamdan Sports Complex. It was Srikanth’s first win over the Indonesian.
World No. 4 Saina extended her domination over South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun with an emphatic 21-12, 21-18 victory.
It was Saina’s fifth win against Sung in six career meetings though the Indian had lost the last time they played each other (2013 Denmark Open).
Srikanth was convincing against Sugiarto, wrapping up the match in 38 minutes. The Indian, who had beaten Kento Momota of Japan 15-21, 21-16, 21-10 in his first match, plays his final Group B match against Jan O Jorgensen.
