Saina, Srikanth enter finals at CWG

Gold Coast: London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal and newly-crowned world no 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 here today.

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.

She will play either compatriot P V Sindhu or defending champion Michelle Li of Canada.

Srikanth, playing on court 1, saw off 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Rajiv Ouseph of England 21-10 21-17 in just over half an hour contest.

He will face the winner of the match between HS Prannoy and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei.

Earlier, 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. The duo will now play for the bronze medal against local hopes Setyana Mapasa and Gronya Somerville later in the day.