Saina targets World meet

Saina said she has now set her eyes on bigger events like the World Championships at home in August and the All England Championship.

Many fans were present at the airport to greet Saina, who said the victory in a world class event has given her the confidence that she can be among the world’s top five soon.

“It is really great and fantastic. Now I think I will be able to win more Super Series events,” Saina said. “I was in good form in Indonesia and backed myself to win the title,” she said.

Saina was aiming to win back-to-back titles at Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold, but lost to a Chinese qualifier Xin Wang in the quarterfinals.

Saina said she felt a bit tired after playing three tournaments. “I was a little bit tired in Malaysia. I played all top players in the earlier tournaments and it was really hectic.

When I went to Malaysia first two games were really tough. I just couldn’t move on the court in the quarterfinals.”

“I was mentally tired, even though I was fine fitness wise. I lost really some easy points and went down to her. But I guess it happens when you play continuously on the circuit,” she added.

Saina said her immediate focus is to put up a strong performance at the World Championships here in August.

“This victory has given me confidence. I am looking forward to win events like World Championships and the All England Championship.”

Saina upset World No 3 Chinese Lin Wang to become the first Indian to win an elite badminton event since her coach Pullela Gopichand won the prestigious All England Championships in 2001. Before that former world no 1 Prakash Padukone had won the All England title in 1980.

Saina, however, is only 19 and has risen in the ranks with her ranking has gone up one place to World No 7 after the victory