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C'WEALTH BOOST
(Women's Shuttlers Earn Place In Uber Cup Finals Ahead Of Melbourne Task)
By Lynn Koh & Jason Cai
Singapore's women shuttlers have not only qualified for the Uber Cup finals for the first time - years ahead of our 2012 target - but also received a big boost as they prepare for the coming Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Second Spot
Taking part recently in the Uber Cp's Asian preliminaries in Jaipur, India, they clinched second spot in Group Z, just behind Hong Kong.
They beat India 5-0 to earn a much-coveted berth in badminton's most prestigious women's team event. This followed earlier wins against Pakistan and Thailand.
The latest success makes up for the disappointment of 2002. That year, our women shuttlers missed the Cup finals on a countback after finishing level with Japan and Hong Kong.
Against India
In the crucial tie against India, which Singapore must win to earn the historic finals berth, Li Li (pix) led the way with a gutsy come-from-behind 16-21, 21-13, 21-16 win over India's top player Aparna Popat.
Xing Aiying made it 2-0 for Singapore when she defeated Saina Nehwal 21-15, 19-21, 21-17. Not to be outdone, Jiang Yanmei secured the deciding point with an impressive 24-22, 21-7 win over B. R. Meenakshi in the third singles.
With victory for the team already scured, Xing Aiying and Shinta Mulia confidently beat Saina Nehwal and Aparna Balan 21-14, 21-15. Jiang Yanmei and Li Yujia also did well with their win over Shruti Kurian and Jwala Gutta 21-19, 21-15.
Looking Ahead
Now Li Li , who won the women's singles gold in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, and her team mates are looking towards the Melbourne assignment. Boosted by their success in India, they hope things will continue to look up Down Under.
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