Saina, Sindhu final likely at Asian Games

Jakarta: Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal on Sunday  headed for a gold medal showdown at the 18th Asian Games after their quarterfinal victories ensured India's first ever women's singles medals at the Continental event.

First it was London bronze medallist Saina, who ended a 36-year-old wait for an individual medal after locking at least a bronze following a 21-18 21-16 win over world number five Ratchanok Intanon in a 42-minute quarterfinal.

Rio silver medallist Sindhu then fought past world number 12 Nitchaon Jindapol 21-11 16-21 21-14 in the other quarterfinal.

The last Indian to win an individual medal at the Asian Games was legendary Syed Modi, who won a men's singles bronze, way back in 1982 at New Delhi.

In the semifinals, Saina faces world no 1 and top seed Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei.

Commenting on the historic medals assured, Sindhu said she is hungry for more. "It's great (that medals are assured) moment but it's not over yet.

It should be the best and not just a medal. May be a gold that's how I feel," said world no 3 Sindhu.

On an all-Indian final looming, Sindhu said, "It will be very good for Indian badminton.”