Sindhu ready for Wang

When PV Sindhu glanced at the women’s singles draw for the Yonex Sunrise India Open, all she could mutter was “Oh again!” in disbelief.

She was pitted against World No 3 Wang Shixian, whom she had beaten in the Swiss Open quarterfinals, in the opening round.   

In fact, the Indian teenager had got the better of her Chinese opponent in all their three meetings and hoped she could maintain her unbeaten record for the fourth time too.

The 18-year-old conceded she faces a tough draw but drew inspiration from the tournament being held on her home turf.

“It is a tough draw. I played against Wang just weeks back and when I saw the draw, I was like ‘oh again’. I have won against her three times and I hope I win this time also. I am confident of taking on her,” Sindhu told reporters at the launch of this edition’s tournament.

“If I win, I will play Sayaka (Takahashi) in the second round. I lost to her once but it was long back in Malaysia in 2012. I will have the crowd support, since it is happening in Delhi. I will have the advantage.”

Sindhu, who reached the semifinals of India Open last year, said she would like to carry on her good work.

While her semifinal appearance in Swiss Open boosted her confidence, she was quick to return to training at home to spruce up her defence.

“You have to come back and practice again and note your mistakes. Compared to last year, I have improved a lot. This year I started well by finishing runner-up at Syed Modi.

All England Championships was not that good but I did well in the Swiss Open. I have improved my game and physical fitness. I worked on my defence.

“At last year’s India Open, I reached the semifinals. I hope I play with the same tempo this time too,” added Sindhu, who won a bronze medal at the 2013 World Championship besides emerging champions at Malaysia and Macau. 

The  Hyderabadi was looking forward to participate in her maiden Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year.

“I would be playing for the first time and so I am excited. I think it is a tough competition as lot of top players are playing. It is a tough schedule this year as after India Open Super Series I will be playing in Singapore and then Thomas and Uber Cup and other events as well,” she said.