Gold Coast sources reported that London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal and newly crowned world number 1 Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the finals of the women's and men's singles events respectively in the badminton competition of the 21st Commonwealth Games. Meanwhile Saina, who had clinched the gold in 2010 Delhi Games but missed the 2014 Games due to injuries, staved off a challenge from Scotland's Kristy Gilmour, a silver at Glasgow four years ago, 21-14 18-21 21-17 in 68 minutes.
According to sources Saina will play compatriot PV Sindhu in the final. Further Srikanth, playing on court 1, saw off 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist Rajiv Ouseph of England 21-10 21-17 in just over half an hour contest, where he will face Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei, who defeated HS Prannoy.
Previously Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy lost
21-17 15-21 4-21 to Malaysian combo of Mei Kuan Chow and Vivian Hoo in women's
doubles and moreover the duo will now play for the bronze medal against local
hopes Setyana Mapasa and Gronya Somerville later in the day.
