Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Commonwealth Games doubles gold medallist Ashwini Ponnappa said qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics tops her priority and the Indian Open Super Series, starting Tuesday, will be the first step in that direction.

Ponnappa and her doubles partner Jwala Gutta will be back on their favourite Siri Fort Sports Complex courts where six months ago they won the historic gold for India.

They are currently ranked World No.20 and need to better their standing if they wish to qualify for the London Olympics.

“The Indian Open is a very important tournament for us. Our focus is to qualify for the London Olympics, and for that we need to be at the top of our game and improve our rankings,” Ponnappa told IANS.

The two have been seeded second in the event and have got a bye.

“It will be a stiff competition as there are some good teams in the draw. But we have prepared hard and we skipped the Asian Badminton Championship to prepare for this event. We have a good chance. We have the home advantage and won a gold at Commonwealth Games here. So we are keenly looking forward to the competition,” said Ponappa, who has recorded the fastest smash in women’s badminton.

Ponnappa admitted after the Commonwealth Games, she and Jwala are more confident taking on their opponents.

“We are still the same team, but yes our confidence has grown. Jwala is the dominating partner. She analyses the opponents very well and also listens to me. My job is to stay behind while Jwala is good at the net, she is equally good with the smashes. So we combine really well.”

Jwala also hoped that they will perform well.

“We won the CWG gold against some tough teams like Indonesia, Singapore and England. They are equally good and it will not be easy. But we are well prepared and ready for the event,” she said.