Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081452582100.htm

Sport - Olympic Games

Saina erred in strategy: Vimal

BANGALORE: “Saina should have changed the strategy when she was leading 11-3, playing with the wind after the change over in the final game,” said U. Vimal Kumar, the former chief National coach, commenting on her narrow defeat at the Olympic badminton quarterfinals on Wedneday.

Vimal Kumar said playing with the wind had its disadvantages and Saina made more errors while trying to play the shuttle down instead of attacking and keeping it to the back court.

“Obviously, she was finding it difficult to keep the length and Yulianti, being a soft touch player, was able to control the proceedings much better after the change over, playing to a plan and capitalising on Saina’s errors,” he said.

Vimal Kumar, however, credited Saina for a superb run in the event. — Special Correspondent