Saina Nehwal's Hong Kong Open triumph also helped her qualify for the season-ending $500,000 Super Series Finals to be held in Chinese Taipei from January 5-9, 2011. However, the Indian ace may give the tournament a miss to get some much-deserved rest and then prepare for the coming season.
Only the top-8 players on the basis of their Super Series standings qualify for the grand finale that was introduced two years ago. Saina had reached the semifinals of the both the previous editions. This edition will also provide world ranking points for the first time.
World number 4 Saina was outside the top-10 bracket in the race for the Super Series finals before the start of the Hong Kong Open. However, the title triumph on Sunday catapulted her to the seven spot having won three of the five events she participated in.
"We haven't taken a decision yet (on whether to play). We will discuss it after she returns," said chief national coach and Saina's mentor Pullela Gopi Chand, talking to Hindustan Times from Hyderabad.
However, a source said it is unlikely that the 20-year-old will participate in the tournament. Saina is likely to take a week-long break after the Indian Grand Prix in Hyderabad this week and will begin preparations for the next season.
{{/usCountry}}However, a source said it is unlikely that the 20-year-old will participate in the tournament. Saina is likely to take a week-long break after the Indian Grand Prix in Hyderabad this week and will begin preparations for the next season.
{{/usCountry}}It will also mean that the Commonwealth Games gold medallist will skip the national championship to be held in Rohtak, Haryana, from January 3-10, 2011. After winning the nationals twice (2006, 2007), Saina has opted out of the last two editions to rest ahead of the international season.