Dubai , December 08 : Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal’s dream of winning the Female Player of the Year award crashed as she lost to All England and world champion Carolina Marin . Marin received the coveted award from BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer in Dubai on Monday night. Marin, who won six titles, faced stiff competition from China’s Zhao Yunlei, Saina Nehwal of India and China’s Bao Yixin.
“I thought Zhao would win it because she’s had a great year as well,” she said with a broad smile.
“I’m very happy, because it’s affirming that you did something great during the year.”
The BWF Player of the Year awards were given at the Players’ Reception and Gala Dinner, held in honour of the assembled players, sponsors, officials and other guests to the Dubai Superseries Finals.
China’s Chen Long retained the Male Player of the Year award that he won last year. His young compatriot Zheng Si Wei was acknowledged as the Most Promising Player of the Year. Korea’s Lee Sam Seop and Norway’s Helle Sofie Sagoy won the Para-Badminton Player of the Year awards in the male and female categories, respectively.