Gopi expects Sindhu to shine in semis; backs 'unwell' Saina

National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand expressed satisfaction after P V Sindhu's superb show on Friday ensured India a bronze medal at the World Championship.

- Badminton Worlds: Sindhu creates history, assured of medal

- Congratulate Sindhu

"It is good to have a win after two losses," Gopichand said after Sindhu notched up a 21-18, 21-17 win over world No 8 Shixian Wang in a 55-minute women's singles quarter-final.

"She (Sindhu) is a good player but she can improve further. She is a quick learner and I hope she will do well tomorrow," Gopichand said.

"It was a tough match. It went neck and neck and there wasn't much to choose. There was not more than 2-3 points of difference. Sindhu was leading all the time. But it was just by a slender margin. The rallies was pretty long and Sindhu was able to attack when needed. So overall it was a good show," analysed Gopichand.

Sindhu, who will next take on Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon, said: "I am very happy with my game as everything went well. I will work hard for tomorrow’s match."

Sindhu's big win preceded the after twin defeats of her senior compatriots Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap.

Asked about Saina, Gopichand said: "Saina was actually not well. She had an upset stomach. She got drained out. She was playing well in the first game but she got really drained, there was no energy left after the first game. I don't think it dented her confidence but physically she could not compete in the second game," Gopichand said.

- Badminton World Championships: Saina, Kashyap lose

When asked if Saina’s career is on the downward spiral, Gopi begged said, "Saina is just 23 years old. I don't see there is any problem with her. She is a great player, a class player and I am sure she will come good in the next World Championship."

The former All England champion, however, was impressed with Kashyap's performance and said he will surely come good in future.

"I am happy with Kashyap. He almost won the match. It was extremely unfortunate that he lost the match from that stage. But the way he played, I think he was very good and I am extremely happy. It was a close match. It is a good experience for him and I am sure he will come back strong in the next edition," he said.