New Delhi: Defending champion Saina Nehwal stormed into a home turf semi-final at the India Open on Friday, with Japan's number two seed Kento Momota booking his place in men's event.
Second seed Nehwal had a tough fight to down fifth seed South Korean Sung Ji Hyun in 83 minutes.
The 26-year-old dropped the first set but battled hard to win 19-21, 21-14, 21-19 in front of a cheering home crowd.
The Olympic bronze medallist will next meet world number 2 Li Xuerui of China, who beat compatriot Wang Shixian 22-20, 12-21, 21-17 in the quarters.
Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon defeated Taiwan's eighth seeded Tai Tzu Ying 12-21 21-14 22-20 in another closely contested quarter final match, while India's Pusarla Sindhu lost to South Korean Bae Yeon Ju 15-21, 21-15, 21-15.
On men's side, Japan's Kento Momota thrashed Denmark's unseeded Hans-Kristian Vittinghus in straight sets 21-8, 21-9 to qualify for the next round on Saturday.
Fifth seed Dane Viktor Axelsen beat Wei Nan of Hong Kong 21-17, 21-12.
On Thursday star shuttlers Lin Dan of China and Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei crashed out of the tournament.
The finals for both the men's and women's singles will be played on Sunday at New Delhi's Siri Fort stadium.
AFP
