It was one of my toughest wins, says ecstatic Saina Nehwal after China Open victory

Olympic bronze-medallist Saina Nehwal on Sunday said the triumph at the China Open Super Series Premier was one of her "toughest" and it showed that the hard work was paying off.

World No 5 Saina had to draw from her reservoir of experience to stave off the challenge of the Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21-12 22-20 to clinch the women's singles title of the US $700,000 China Open.

"I'm very happy to win this title, my third in the season. It is one of the toughest. I have been working really hard for the last few months and I am extremely happy that my efforts bore fruit," Saina told PTI.

"It has not been easy for me. Vimal sir (Kumar) helped me a lot and it is a huge victory and a great feeling to win the title in China," she said. Talking about her opponent Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, Saina said: "The Japanese girl is very good. She is young and she played very well. She did trouble me in the second game especially but I am happy I could prevail over her. She is extremely talented and will be a force to reckon in future." About her future tournaments, Saina said: "I am focused to do well in Hong Kong Open (Nov 18-23) next. I have won the tournament in 2010 and I am in good shape now. The confidence of this win will help me to do well.

"I am also looking forward to the BWF World Super Series Final in Dubai. That is my ultimate target now."