<p> Saina Nehwal regretted the missed opportunities in the final of the World Championships, where she was seeking to become the first Indian to win the title.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Instead, she floundered in the match dominated by defending champion Carolina Marin. The 25-year-old reckoned her loss had more to do with mental aspect than physical. Despite leading 3-1 in head-to head meetings against Marin, Saina found it difficult to match up to her fiery opponent.<br /><br />“I made too many mistakes in first game. In the second, I had a lead, but points went by very quickly and within no time she was level. I could’ve been more patient during those 4-5 points. I had no problems with fitness. Final is more mental than physical. I made one silly error in the second game during a crucial moment,” Saina said following her second loss to Marin this year.<br /><br />“In the second game, I was on the slower side. I was trying to make rallies happen but the points went very quickly.”<br /><br />Saina felt playing in her second Word Championships final gave Marin an edge. “When you have the experience of playing a World Championship final, it’s easier. She played with freedom, not thinking of winning or losing,” she said.<br /><br /> Marin said she enjoyed winning the title more this time. Last year in Copenhagen, she was a surprise winner as ninth seed. But in the last one year, she has grown in stature and consistency, fetching her the All England title and World No 1 ranking. <br /><br />The 22-year-old said she loved playing in front of an adoring audience. “I know she (Saina) was more tired than me. I just kept thinking of each point, just wanted to enjoy the final and the crowd,” she said.<br /><br />“I feel more happy this time compared to last time. This was more difficult. I had a foot injury last month, I thought I wouldn’t play. I started playing two weeks ago, just wanted to enjoy the tournament. I just didn’t want to make mistakes when I was down in the second game. Today I felt I was playing at home.”</p>
<p> Saina Nehwal regretted the missed opportunities in the final of the World Championships, where she was seeking to become the first Indian to win the title.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Instead, she floundered in the match dominated by defending champion Carolina Marin. The 25-year-old reckoned her loss had more to do with mental aspect than physical. Despite leading 3-1 in head-to head meetings against Marin, Saina found it difficult to match up to her fiery opponent.<br /><br />“I made too many mistakes in first game. In the second, I had a lead, but points went by very quickly and within no time she was level. I could’ve been more patient during those 4-5 points. I had no problems with fitness. Final is more mental than physical. I made one silly error in the second game during a crucial moment,” Saina said following her second loss to Marin this year.<br /><br />“In the second game, I was on the slower side. I was trying to make rallies happen but the points went very quickly.”<br /><br />Saina felt playing in her second Word Championships final gave Marin an edge. “When you have the experience of playing a World Championship final, it’s easier. She played with freedom, not thinking of winning or losing,” she said.<br /><br /> Marin said she enjoyed winning the title more this time. Last year in Copenhagen, she was a surprise winner as ninth seed. But in the last one year, she has grown in stature and consistency, fetching her the All England title and World No 1 ranking. <br /><br />The 22-year-old said she loved playing in front of an adoring audience. “I know she (Saina) was more tired than me. I just kept thinking of each point, just wanted to enjoy the final and the crowd,” she said.<br /><br />“I feel more happy this time compared to last time. This was more difficult. I had a foot injury last month, I thought I wouldn’t play. I started playing two weeks ago, just wanted to enjoy the tournament. I just didn’t want to make mistakes when I was down in the second game. Today I felt I was playing at home.”</p>
