‘India Open no cakewalk’

The Hyderabadi said she would look forward to having her fans and parents in the crowd during the tournament,to be held at the DDA Squash and Badminton Stadium (Siri Fort Complex),from April 23-28. “It’s special because it’s held in Delhi. Lots of home fans will be there to cheer me up and at the same time my parents can come and watch me. Youngsters will also get a chance to learn from the senior players.”

Meanwhile,national coach Pullela Gopichand was hopeful that the host nation will come up with an impressive show. “Preparation is pretty decent and I think we had the time post-All-England and Swiss Open. We have the Asian Championship coming up this week and the experience will help us in the Yonex Sunrise India Open,” the former All-England champion said. “I think we are getting closer each time and hopefully Saina will be able to get us that coveted thing. We also have (World No.7 Parupalli) Kashyap who is doing well. I feel all the players have emerged stronger in these years not only in singles but also in doubles events. Somebody will win us the Yonex Sunrise India Open Super series title.”

The coach added that the focus will be on all the shuttlers and not just limited to the singles players. “There are whole lots of juniors who have the opportunity to play against the best players of the world and I expect them to use it as a launch pad. We also have our doubles combinations whether it is Jwala Gutta and Dijju or Ashwini Ponnappa and Pradnya. I am looking forward to their performance,” said Gopichand.