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My immediate target is Indonesia Open, says Sindhu
A foot injury early in the year derailed her plans but ace Indian shuttler P V Sindhu is happy to make a successful comeback with a good performance at the Denmark Super Series Premier and a third successive Macau Grand Prix Gold title.
The two-time World Championship bronze-medallist finished runners-up at Denmark Open, her maiden Super Series final appearance, and then clinched her first trophy of the season at the Macau Open on Sunday.
The 20-year-old from Hyderabad has now set her eyes on the Indonesia Masters Grand Prix Gold starting December 1.
"It was a great win. I am really happy for the victory. My immediate target now is Indonesia," Sindhu said.
"It was a hat-trick of titles at Macau and overall it was a good performance. Mitani is a good player. I lost to her at the Japan Open but I am happy I could beat her.
"I could have finished it off in the second game but I played two smashes into the nets at crucial moments and it was very disappointing. However, in the third game, I took a lead and maintained it," she added.
Asked about the conditions in the stadium, Sindhu said: "I think judging a shuttle is different everywhere, so there is a drift but you have to be used to it. We can't complain as I think it is same for all."
Asked about the season ahead, Sindhu said: "In January, I am starting with the Indian Badminton League and then there are so many tournaments like the Syed Modi, Indian Open etc. Also being an Olympic year, each and every tournaments will be important. I wish to improve more and perform well."
It was a rollercoaster ride for Sindhu this season as she lost a lot of time after suffering a navicular stress fracture in her left leg, which kept her out of action for a few months from important events such as the All England Championship and India Open.
Once back, she faced early exits at Australia, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei. She did notch up a win over Olympic champion Li Xuerui but faltered against Mitani at Japan. However, she fought back again with a place at the Denmark final.
Talking about the season gone by, Sindhu said: "Season has been fine. After coming from injury, it has not been that great but I have been playing well. Touch wood, I m completely fine now. Recently in Denmark I played the final, it was my first super series final and also winning Macau was great.
"What hurts most is whenever I am leading and then I lose the match, it is disappointing and there are so many such matches.
"Injuries are part of life, we can't decide on that. I could not play for 3-4 months. It was really very difficult. I think patience is the key. When you are injured, you need to strengthen yourself very well to make a comeback very confidently. It takes some time but I am happy that I am back now," she added.
BAI to give Sindhu 10 lakh for Macau Open win
Badminton Association of India (BAI) today announced a cash award of Rs 10 lakh for PV Sindhu in recognition of her impressive title victory at the Macau Open.
Sindhu, ranked 12th in the world, beat World No 6 Minatsu Mitani from Japan 21-9 21-23 21-14 in the final to retain her title.
"She has yet again made us proud because of her play and determination to prove herself on the International platform. We were confident that she will retain the title and she has stood up to our expectations from her as a player who has a bright future ahead. We at Badminton Association of India are proud of her and wish her to win more such tournaments in the future," Akhilesh Das Gupta, President, BAI said.