Press Trust of India
New Delhi, March 28: Defending champions Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth will look to iron out the chinks in their armour when they take on a stellar field in the women’s and men’s singles events respectively at the Indian Open Super Series badminton tournament, starting with the qualifiers here Tuesday.
Olympic bronze medallist Saina, who broke her India Open jinx last year after a series of early exits in the previous editions, will enter the tournament after a quarterfinal and semifinal finish at the All England and Swiss Open, respectively. The 26-year-old will take on a qualifier in the opening round at the Siri Fort Complex.
Srikanth, on the other hand, has blown hot and cold so far in the season. The Indian won the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold in January but lost in the second round of All England and third round at German Open last month.
“I know I have lost a few matches but I am satisfied with my game. I am confident of defending my title. I have been playing well,” Srikanth stated Monday.
“There is always pressure when you enter a tournament as the defending champion but it is happening in India and I hope the crowd will come and support us and it will boost us,” said the 23-year-old, who will meet Chinese seventh seed Tian Houwei in the first round.
The men’s field will be led by two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan and former World No. 1, Lee Chong Wei.
Among other Indians, PV Sindhu will start her campaign in the main draw against Jeanine Cicognini, Wednesday after the withdrawal of World No. 1 Carolina Marin.
“I know I haven’t been performing well. But I am fit and there is nothing wrong in my game. I hope this tournament helps me to regain my form,” Sindhu said.
In red-hot form after his Swiss Open win last week, HS Prannoy, who is running for Olympic qualification, will also be one of the contenders who will be a tough nut to crack as he starts his campaign against Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk.