Japan's Okuhara wins women's singles title in badminton superseries

Japanese shuttler Nozomi Okuhara, world No. 4, won the women's singles title of the MetLife BWF Dubai World Superseries Finals here on Sunday, beating world No. 3 Wang Yihan from China 22-20, 21-18.

   The 20-year old Japanese broke out in tears when she completed the match after one hour and three minutes. "These were tears of happiness, it was a really hard match," said Okuhara.

   Shanghai-born elite shuttler Wang Yihan said she got affected mentally when she challenged a shuttle which was indicated out and the video analysis proved that it was out.

   Albeit at 1.78 meter much taller than Okuhara who measures 1.55 meter, 27-year old Wang was desperately trying to break the Japanese agile movements at any situation on the court.

   Asked if she had a special tall training partner ahead of the tournament, Okuhara said, "No, I did not have a special training partner who is tall like Wang, because most of my opponents are taller than me, so I am used to it."

   The two right-handed players Okuhara and Wang took home 42,000 U.S. dollars and 20,000 dollars prize money, respectively.

   Nagano-born Okuhara said that her big goal next year is the Rio Olympics in August "because I never attended any Olympic Games before."  Endi