Indian shuttlers PV Sindhu, Sameer Verma, HS Prannoy and Sai Praneeth will be playing for their first title of the season at the Australia Open BWF Super 300 tournament, which kicks off in Sydney. But for Saina Nehwal _ who won Indonesia Masters Super 300 _ none of the Indians have won a title this year. Saina opted out of the Australian Open due to fitness issues. Though this tournament had been downgraded to Grade-5, still Indians may find the going tough as many of the top ranked players are competing here.
After winning the Tour Finals title in December, Sindhu lost her momentum and her best show thus far was reaching the semifinals of the India Open and Singapore Open. Sindhu, who will be keen to get back to winning ways by pocketing the title, will begin against a qualifier and may square up against London Olympics champion Li Xuerui.
The Chinese former world No.1, who recovered from career-threatening injuries, is struggling to regain her lost touch. Sindhu may not find it difficult against her. But she needs to be at her best at the last four stage, where she is likely to face second seed Chen Yufei. The reigning All England champion is enjoying a purple patch now. Former world champion Nozomi Okuhara is the top seed in women’s singles.
In men’s singles sixth seed Sameer will look to exact revenge against Zii Jia Lee. The Malaysian stunned Sameer at last month’s Sudirman Cup, a result which affected India’s medal chances.
“I have prepared well for this tournament. Before the World Championships we need to perform well in these tournaments,” Sameer said.
Australia Open BWF Super 300 tournament: PV Sindhu, Sameer Verma, HS Prannoy and Sai Praneeth to play hard
