Jakarta: Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal continued her rampaging form as she completed a spectacular hat-trick of titles by clinching the Indonesia Open Super Series with a three-game triumph over Japan's Sayaka Sato here on Sunday.
Unbeaten for the past three weeks, the top-seeded defending champion defeated her unseeded, but resolute rival 21-19, 13-21, 21-11 in a rollercoaster encounter that lasted 45 minutes.
This was Saina's third successive title, having won the Indian Open Grand Prix at home and the Singapore Open Super Series tournament last week. This is also the 20-year-old World No. 3's third Super Series title overall.
In a see-saw battle, the 19-year-old Sato matched the defending champion shot for shot for most part of the opening game but was undone by her own mistakes at crucial junctures.
The first game that lasted 14 minutes had both the players tied 11-11 at one stage and though Saina remained ahead for most part after that, a gritty Sato did have her share of chances.
Leading 20-18, Saina could have finished it off on her own serve but she handed Sato a chance by hitting the shuttle wide. But Sato could not capitalise and smacked a forehand into the net to give Saina the opening game.
A jubilant Saina let out a huge scream after winning the title, which also made her richer by $18,750.
“The rankings keep going up and down depending on the wins and losses.
“The rankings keep going up and down depending on the wins and losses.
“It's a really good time for me because I am playing well, winning tournaments. But I have a lot more to prove.
“The number one spot is not too far,” she said.
Asked whether she expected the unbeaten run, Saina said, “I never expected to win three tournaments in a row and this has helped my confidence.
“It's a memorable victory for me. I really enjoyed every day of being here,” she said. — PTI
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