Saina rues errors after India Open exit

Saina was leading the deciding game 13-7, but a few mistakes in the final minutes saw her surrendering the lead and losing the match to the Chinese shuttler. After the match, the 26-year old regretted the mistakes and said that a few silly errors from her side made the difference in the match.

"I think the difference was just some points here and there but last two points she hit close to the line. That made the difference. She is playing quite close to the line that is why she is winning matches. I gave away silly errors. I left a line call. I played well. There was no problem with the way I played," Saina told reporters after the match, reported PTI.

When asked about surrendering a six-point lead in the final game, the 2012 Olympics bronze medallist said, "I had big leads but she came back. She was picking up everything; she was maintaining good rallies and hit some good shots to the line.

"I can remember the last two points which were crucial in the last game. My service, which went to the net, and one lift that went behind and I made a line error. Those two were not required. She played those points with a lot of confidence.

"I should have won the first game at 20-19. Obviously such matches giveslot of confidence but also it can be irritating to miss out. I am good but I know I can be much better. I was not happy yesterday. I took three games yesterday. Today I could have won the first game."

Although, she was unable to defend her title at the India Open, the World No.6 seemed happy with her progress after recovering from a niggling Achilles injury.

"I am very satisfied with my game. I played really well. I beat Sung Ji Hyun and Nitchaon Jindapol. I could see I was moving pretty well. Against Li last time it was a straight game at China Super Series. This time three games, I could have won the first game though.

"I am analysing better. But because of the injury, the match practice is less. You need to play with them more. When you come out of injury and play against such tough opponents, you feel everything is new. So that is what is happening. I played two tournaments and I was good but here I was better," Saina, who will next play in Malaysia and Singapore this month, said.