Saina confident of winning Indian Open

Terming the Siri Fort stadium as her happy hunting ground, World No 3 Saina Nehwal expressed confidence of putting up a good show in the upcoming Indian Open Super Series, which begins on Tuesday.

The ace Indian shuttler is hoping to repeat her performance at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, where she bagged the singles gold medal.

"The Commonwealth Games gold is still fresh in my memory. That moment was like a movie to me. It was the final point and then I went on to win the match. The Siri Fort stadium is really lucky for me and I hope to win here. I have been able to visit the stadium and conditions look good. I just love this stadium," Saina told rediff.com on the sidelines of a promotional event.

The 21-year-old Hyderabad lass, who won the Swiss Open last month, was struggling with a right ankle injury, which she sustained during the title clash against Wang Shixian, at the Hong Kong Super Series in December.

"There is some extra fluid in the muscle tendon, which is not good news, but there is not much concern. I am fit now. It has been four months since the injury and there was pain earlier, which has almost gone now," Saina said.

Saina feels the tournament will be a tough affair.

"It looks like it will be a good series. It is not only the Chinese who are tough competitors; the Japanese and Korean players are also participating and they have been playing very well. The competition in the Indian Open is going to be intense, even though two Chinese players are not playing," Saina said.

Saina's mother, Usha, is confident her daughter will do well.

"She has been preparing very hard for this series, so much that I worry for her health. But her dedication and determination will pay off for her. I have a feeling she will perform very well in the Indian Open," Usha, a former badminton champion in Haryana, said.

Saina will take on Ai Goto of Japan in the first round. Should she clear that hurdle she could face fifth seed Eriko Hirose in the quarter-finals.

Hirose had beaten Saina at the All-England but the Indian avenged the defeat at the Swiss Open.

"I have played her five times but recently we met at the All England and Swiss Open and it was an even contest. She beat me in the first event and I defeated her in the next.

"We might again meet in the Malaysian Open, so it is okay. If you have to win the title, you have to beat all the players and I am ready for it," she said.