Sindhu pins hopes on home support
PV Sindhu hasn’t forgotten the Olympic final loss against Spain’s Carolina Marin, but feels fitness and backing of the boisterous home crowd will give her the edge in Sunday’s final of the India Open World Superseries on Sunday.
India’s world No 5 won a tough semifinal against Korea’s Sung Ji-hyun while the Olympic champion had it easy.
“All I can say is it will be good match as we know each other’s strong and weak points. We met for the first time at the Rio Olympics, and she denied me the gold medal,” Sindhu said after reaching the final.
HOME ADVANTAGE
“We also played in the Premier Badminton League, but it was a 11-points (per game) match, not a true reflection of fitness. But the final will be different. Since I will have the home advantage, it should give me the upper hand.”
But Marin too is a familiar face in India, especially thanks to the PBL, and Sindhu is aware of that.
“Over a period of time, her fan following has increased in the country. Definitely they will support her on Sunday. Let’s see, we will chalk out a strategy to win.”
For Sindhu, it was about not giving anything away to her Korean rival.
LONG RALLIES
“Due to long rallies---there was a minimum of six or seven strokes in each rally.
“I knew Sung won’t give points easily. So, I kept thinking on those lines, not to give up. It worked when the contest entered the third game.”
‘’It was a long match, but I was prepared mentally and physically because I knew about Sung. She believes more in long rallies.”
Marin, who won her game before Sindhu took to the court, was guarded.
“All I can say is it will be an interesting match. I won’t reveal my strategy, otherwise Sindhu will get to know,” she laughed.