Thaindian News

Chennai, June 7 (IANS) World No 6 Saina Nehwal Monday arrived here for the Yonex-Sunrise India Open Grand Prix (Gold) badminton tournament, commencing Tuesday, and expressed cautious optimism about her chances.
It was a sort of homecoming for Saina as she arrived in the city where she won her first national title as a junior a few years ago to kick-start a brilliant career.

After a strenuous workout within hours of her arrival, she said she was as ready as she could be for international competition.

She is scheduled to participate in two Super Series events in Singapore and Indonesia immediately after the India Open.

The 20-year-old Saina, born in Hissar, Haryana, but settled in Hyderabad where she is being coached by former All-England champion Pullela Gopichand, reflected on a fine year that saw her delivering some strong results.

“The year so far has been great and amazing. I entered the semi-finals of All-England and the ABC (Asian Badminton). My focus would now be on the next three weeks (Chennai, Singapore and Indonesia). After that, I will take a break of four to six weeks and then prepare for the World Cup. I want to really do well in the World Cup, Commonwealth and Asian Games,” Saina told reporters.

Despite her top billing in the India Open, Saina was cautiously optimistic of her chances. “I will not say how far I can go in the tournament. All players are good fighters and I need to be alert from my very first match. If the draw goes well, I hope to play Sayali (Gokhale) in the quarterfinals,” Saina said.

On her loss in the Asian Badminton Championships semi-finals to a qualifier, Saina said: “I made too many mistakes and allowed her to take a big lead. Though I tried to rally, it was too late. I am focusing on my strokes during training and this can be seen on the court.”

Meanwhile, Anup Sridhar, seeded fifth, said he was focusing on staying fit and keeping out of injuries

“I did well in the qualifiers of the All England to enter the main draw. Thereafter, it has been ups and downs. After this, I will play in the Singapore Open. I cannot comment about the Commonwealth Games as the team will be announced only in August,” he said.