(Image source from: Saina)

Saina showed how it's done at the battle of the Badminton biggies during the second day of the Indian Badminton League (IBL). The world number 4 said that the media has almost written her off even before the match began.

It is perhaps why she did not show any mercy on her less experienced counterpart Sindhu. Freshly back from a historic bronze win at the Badminton world championships, Sindhu started off with a bang. That did not deter Saina, who proved that she is the better of two, no matter if she did not score a medal on the world platform.

Following the one on one, Saina told Times of India that a lot of hype was built around this match.

“So there was a bit of pressure going into the match and I started a little tight. In the middle of the first game, I started to play more aggressively - which is how I normally play," she quipped.

It was sight not to miss as the girls walked on to the battlefield amid thunderous applause and palpable excitement. Even Finance Minister P Chidambaran's interest was unmistakable.

Later, Saina scored an easy victory for the Hyderabad Hotshots, felling Awadhe Warriors despite Sindhu being egged on by her fans and supporters. Sindhu was already under pressure as the Hyderabad Hotshots had been taking victories in other matches too.

Saina, however, noted that there is no real rivalry between the both, adding that they are good friends off the court. IBL's star players are only competitors on the court.

AW: Sruthi