Shuttlers Saina, Praneeth reach Thailand Open semis

Bangkok June 2 (IANS) Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and B. Sai Praneeth stormed into the semi-finals of the $1 20 000 Thailand Open Grand Prix badminton tournament with contrasting wins in the women s and men s singles quarter-finals respectively here on Friday.

London Olympics bronze medallist Saina was made to toil hard by Japan s Haruko Suzuki before the Indian used all her experience to bounce back in the third game and clinch it 21-15 20-22 21-11.

On the other hand Singapore Open champion Praneeth had an easy outing thrashing lower-ranked Thailand s Kantaphon Wangcharoen in straight games 21-16 21-17 in less than an hour to sail into the semi-finals.

The third-seeded Indian maintained his lead throughout the match and never gave his World No.102-ranked opponent a chance to get back in the match.

In the semi-finals World No.24 Praneeth will meet the winner between Thai duo of World No.11 Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk and World No.71 Pannawit Thongnuam.

In the women s singles Saina dominated the opening game handsomely before the World No.132 Haruko bounced back quite well to take the second game 22-20 and level the game by 1-1.

The match was stretched to the decider but this time Saina gave the Japanese no chance and maintained her lead throughout to take clinch the tie 21-11.

The World No.11 Saina will now take on Thailand s fourth seeded World No.13 Busanan Ongbumrungpan on Saturday for a place in the final.

India s campaign in all the doubles categories have already ended.

--IANS
tri/dg