KUALA LUMPUR (10 MAY 2010) – Uber Cup debutants India got off to a roaring start to their Group D campaign with a 5-0 whitewash of South Africa and a place in the quarter-finals.
“To make the quarter-finals in our first ever Uber Cup is simply a great feeling,” said India’s No 1 and World No 6 Saina Nehwal the 2008 World Junior champion.
Saina, 20, put India on the winning path with a 21-8, 21-8 win over Kerry-Lee Harrington in only 18 minutes.
“South Africa is not a problem but our battle starts tomorrow when we face the South Koreans in our last group match. I am glad we played well to get the confidence. This will come in handy when we meet the Koreans.”
India’s second point came from Adit Muttatkar, who outplayed Stacey Doubell 21-5, 21-6 in only 20 minutes in the second singles before Trupti Murgunde made shortwork of Jade Morgan with a 21-10, 21-9 win in the third singles.
“It is tough to win the title here. Reaching the Uber Cup Finals and making the quarter-finals is a big boost to the game in India. I am very proud and happy to be a part of the team,” added Saina.
