Thai Ratchanok Itanon

Shenzhen: Indian star shuttler Saina Nehwal lost her semi-final clash against top seed and current Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China of the $500,000 BWF World Super Series Finals.

Saina lost 20-22 21-7 13-21 in the match that went for 50 minutes. Saina started the match well but the Chinese fought back hard to win the first game.

The London Olympic bronze medallist was at her best in the second game and she won the game convincingly to take the match into the decider.

In the last game Xuerui took control of the proceedings to emerge winner.

Earlier in the tournament after losing both her opening matches Saina was virtually knocked out of the tournament, but qualified for the last four after having lost less number of games in comparison to Swiss Tine Baun and Schenk, both of whom having won a match each.

The world number three Indian finished second in the group following Thai Ratchanok Itanon, who stayed unbeaten in the group stages.

Saina’s, seeded fourth in the tournament beat her German foe 21-7 21-18 in a match that lasted for 37 minutes.