Saina Nehwal reaches finals of India Super Series

NEW DELHI: Crowned the world number one, Saina Nehwal today celebrated her numero uno status with a straight-game demolition of Japanese Yui Hashimoto to reach her maiden final of the $ 275,000 India Super Series at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here today.

The Olympic bronze medallist, Saina became the world number one even before she took the court for the semifinals after her closest competitor Carolina Marin of Spain lost in the other last four match against Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon.

The girl from Hyderabad thrashed Hashimoto 21-15 21-11 in a match that lasted for 43 minutes to set up a title clash with former world champion Hashimoto.

"It is a dream come true. I can't even believe that I have become the world number one. I guess till the time I see my name there myself I won't be able to believe it. It has been a long journey," Saina said.

"I want to thank Vimal Sir, my parents for the success. Vimal sir had told me that I will be number one by may. I can't still believe it."

Even before she took the court for the semifinals, news started floating about Saina reaching the number one ranking after her closest rival for the top spot Marin lost to former world champion Intanon.