New Delhi: Former badminton champion Saina Nehwal advanced to round 2 after Czech opponent Tereza Svabikova retired when the second set began. On Wednesday, Saina beat Svabikova 22-10, 1-0 in round 1 of the India Open 2022 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, New Delhi.
The first set began with Saina racing to a 7-2 lead through her swift movements and back-to-back aces. Saina regained her lead with 16-10 before progressing to the forecourt. The fourth seed’s movement led to her opponent picking pace. Svabikova dominated the match and led the set with 9 consecutive points as she tried equalising scores.
The match reached a tiebreaker, and Svabikova’s immediately gained a point. However, the pressure from the opponent coupled with her experience led Saina into scoring two consecutive match points 22-10 in her favour.
The match came to a sudden end as Svabikova suffered a back injury and retired after the first point of the second set. Saina will face compatriot Malvika Bansod in round two of the India Open 2022.
(Avya Mathur)
