The big battle between India's badminton queens was once again won by Saina Nehwal Making light of the top seed and arch-rival PV Sindhu, Saina won 21-18, 21-15 to retain her crown.
With this dominating victory, Saina also maintained her perfect record in the Senior Nationals with four titles in as many appearances.
Nehwal, who had beaten Sindhu in the last edition's final in Nagpur and then twice more, including the Commonwealth Games summit clash, was in control throughout the 44-minute encounter that failed to keep the spectators at the edge of their seats.
Out of the five finals scheduled on the concluding day of the Senior National Badminton Championship here on Saturday, the Saina-Sindhu clash was the cynosure of all eyes.
Sindhu was off the blocks in style, winning the first three points. But Saina did not take long to find her groove. The defending champion first leveled the scores and then took a slender lead (11-10) at the break.
Saina, who will turn 29, next month, maintained a steady lead and didn't allow Sindhu to nose ahead thereafter. Playing aggressively, Saina used powerful smashes to good effect. Sindhu's returns were mostly in mid-court areas which were finished in a flash by Saina, who converted her second game point to grab the opener at 21-18.
Like in the first game, Sindhu pocketed the first couple of points in the second, hinting at a fight back. Sindhu was ahead a few times (5-3 and 7-6) but after she lost steam.
Nehwal, who has a better head-to-head record against Sindhu on the international stage, had a simple game plan of hurrying Sindhu and then overpowering her with smashes which were either aimed at the world No 6's body or down the line to her backhand.
It did not help Sindhu's cause that she was struggling with her judgement on the back line in the opening game and gave Nehwal at least half a dozen points due to her error of judgement.
Saina increased the intensity by firing bullet smashes to every corner of the court. Her aggressive brand of play caught Sindhu completely unawares and she came under tremendous pressure. Perhaps the defeats against her compatriot in the past played on the Sindhu's mind as she looked lost on a few occasions.
After the break, Saina took a 13-9 lead and even though Sindhu tried to stay in touch and fight back, Saina kept her composure and her lines to defend the title.
Saina pace and power was just too much for Sindhu to handle on Saturday. Saina showed better stroke play and judgement on the court and Sindhu would be left to rue her errant performance.
