Indonesia Masters: Saina Nehwal wins title after Carolina Marin retires
What's the story
Indian badminton ace Saina Nehwal pocketed the Indonesia Masters 2019 title after her opponent Carolina Marin pulled out of the match due to an injury.
Marin was leading Saina 10-4 in the first game, but she injured herself while trying to chase a return shot from the Indian player. She seemed to have twisted her knee.
Here is more about the tie.
Information
Marin had entered match with a slight edge over Saina
Prior to this match, Saina and Marin had faced each other 11 times. The Spaniard enjoyed a narrow edge over Saina. Marin had six wins over Saina's five. This injury now sees Saina equal the tally at 6-6.
Malaysian Masters
Saina had lost to Marin in semis of Malaysia Masters
This was Saina's first Indonesia Masters title.
Saina beat China's He Bingjiao 18-21, 21-12, 21-18 in the semis.
The win saw Saina enter the final of the Indonesia Masters for the second successive year.
Last year she lost to world number one Tai Tzu Ying.
Prior to this tournament, Saina had entered the semis of the Malaysia Masters 2019 before losing to Marin.
Information
Lucky Saina ends drought
Saina had not won a Superseries or World Tour tournament after the Rio Olympics in 2016. She had lost all the three finals she managed to qualify for since then. The Indonesia Masters title finally ends the drought for the women's badminton ace.