Saina Nehwal (file photo)
Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu won the first two singles to give India a crucial 2-0 lead in the Uber Cup semi-final being held at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in Delhi on Friday.
First, Olympic bronze medallist Saina beat World No.12 Minatsu Mitani 21-12, 21-13 in 41 minutes to take a 4-2 lead in career meetings. Minatsu had won their previous two meetings.
Later, World Championship bronze medallist Sindhu managed to only edge past Sayaka Takahashi 19-21, 21-18, 26-24 in a marathon match which lasted an hour and 12 minutes to give India a 2-0 lead. With the win, World No.11 Sindhu levelled her head to head to 1-all.
If India win any of their next three matches they will proceed to their maiden final, and be ensured of at least a silver medal finish.
Jwala Gutta and Aswhini Ponnappa, who are undefeated in the tournament so far, will take on Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi in the first doubles next.
Both the teams are already assured of a bronze having qualified for the semi-finals. In the final, the winning team will take on 12-time and defending champions Chi