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TAIWAN’S Tai Tzu Ying stunned world No.2 India’s Saina Nehwal in the semifinal of the Maybank Malaysia Open at Putra Stadium today.

The world No. 12 struck hard in the first game, especially after the interval, to lead 14-8. Saina worked hard to score five consecutive points towards the end to level at 20-20 but Tzu Ying pushed harder, proving she had a certain level of expertise to win 22-20.

Being the quicker player on the court today, Tzu Ying remained in control of the second game as Saina failed to match up her pace and became the victim to 18-year-old Tzu Ying without winning any set. Tzu Ying won 21-14.

“I did not expect to defeat Saina in two games. Playing with her was always tough,” Tzu Ying said.

Before today’s game, Tzu Ying had only defeated Saina once in five previoud games.

“I think she was just really tired today. She had obviously been playing at more tournaments than I have,” she said.

In the other women’s singles semifinal game, China’s World No. 151, Yao Xue will be in her first Superseries final after beating South Korea’s Bae Yeon Ju 21-15, 21-18 in 34 minutes.