India’s medal prospects for the Rio Olympics 2016 received a major boost after aces shuttler Saina Nehwal won the Australian Open title for the second time in her career. The 26 year old from Hyderabad scripted a come from behind victory in the finals over the World No. 12 Sun. The match lasted for over an hour and ended with a 11-21 21-14 21-19 scoreline in favor of the World number 2.
It is Saina’s second Australian Open victory, having clinched the title in 2014 as well. It ended a rather long title drought for the celebrated Indian, whose previous title before today was at the India Super Series in New Delhi in last year.
Saina had defeated Sun five times in the last five outings but she faced a tough challenge against the 22-year-old Chinese, who took just 18 minutes to wrap up the opening game at the Sydney Olympic Park.