Press Trust of India
New Delhi, Sept 1: Short of match practice after recovering from a nagging back problem, 2014 champion HS Prannoy said the initial rounds will be most challenging as he eyes another podium finish at the USD 120,000 Indonesia Masters Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament to be played September 6-11 at Balikpapan.
Two years ago, Prannoy stood at the podium with the glittering trophy in his hand but a right foot injury after winning the Swiss Open early this year derailed his upsurge. He made a comeback in US and Canada Open but his back problem once again came back to haunt him.
“I am feeling better now. I had injured my back in 2012 but it didn’t bother me for the next 2-3 years. So I never thought that it come back to haunt me again. Both the foot and back injuries will never heal completely, I just need to strengthen my body,” informed Prannoy, Thursday.
“The good thing is that I had a good three weeks training. It was a good break and my body is feeling okay now. I am feeling confident of my game again,” he added.
The initial rounds will be most challenging for Prannoy as according to him, he is short of match practice now.
“I think the initial rounds at the Indonesia Masters will be tough as I lack match practice and also the draw is looking tough,” he informed.
“But if I can get past a couple of rounds and my body holds good, then I am confident about a podium finish,” signed off the shuttler.