Saina Nehwal’s last two appearances at the India Open Super Series ended in disappointment. However, this time, the 23-year-old wants to rewrite the past. “Every tournament is tough. This one is a Super Series event and all the top players will be playing, but I am looking forward to put my best foot forward,” said the world No 2.
Saina starts her campaign against the unseeded Belaetrix Manuputi of Indonesia. The last time they played was earlier this year at the All England Championships, where the Indian emerged victorious. However, Saina is not taking any opponent lightly. “The draw is quite tough. In the first round itself I am playing with an Indonesian player who is doing well,” she said.
Barring Saina, world No 7 Parupalli Kashyap and No 16 PV Sindhu will also be seen in action. While Kashyap will have to get past Taufiq Hidayat, whom he’s never beaten, in the first round, Sindhu stunned former world No 1 Shixian Wang last week in Taipei. If all goes to plan, she may run into Saina in the quarters.
{{/usCountry}}Barring Saina, world No 7 Parupalli Kashyap and No 16 PV Sindhu will also be seen in action. While Kashyap will have to get past Taufiq Hidayat, whom he’s never beaten, in the first round, Sindhu stunned former world No 1 Shixian Wang last week in Taipei. If all goes to plan, she may run into Saina in the quarters.
{{/usCountry}}In women’s doubles, Jwala Gutta will take the court with new partner Prajakta Sawant while former partner Ashwini Ponnappa will be seen in action with Pradnya Gadre.