NEW DELHI: The KD Jadhav Hall was abuzz with the sound of nails being hammered as arrangements for the 2019 India Open entered its final levels on Sunday. In the arena reverse to that, shuttles flew to and fro because the Chinese workforce completed training and the Danish contingent took to the practice courts. Standing in the corridor dividing the two halls were trainee kids having a look through the glass wall with eyes glued at the tall determine of Viktor Axelsen.
The Dane is recent from his appearance in the men's singles final of the All England Championships. That apart, the World No. Four is a most sensible draw at badminton courts across the world, alongside his high-profile team-mate Jan O Jorgensen, who may also be in action at the USD 350,000 World Tour Super 500 tournament that enters its 12th edition.
Badminton powerhouse China have arrived with their greatest ever contingent to the India Open. But two high-profile withdrawals from the Chinese touring party have hit the tournament's build-up.
All England winner Chen Yufei and protecting India Open champion Shi Yuqi pulled out on clinical grounds. The information came after Indian ace Saina Nehwal had previous ended her participation due to an ongoing gastric sickness, which additionally led to her absence at the Swiss Open.
"I think the draw is exciting, (even though) some of the top players aren't here," Axelsen said after ending his training consultation. "However, I try not to focus too much on the draw. I am just looking at my first-round match to get started."
In Chen's absence, India's PV Sindhu is the top seed of the tournament, followed via China's He Bingjiao, who enjoys an Eight-Five head-to-head file in opposition to the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist.
"Because Sindhu plays at a very high level, when I play against her, sometimes I win and sometimes I lose. It is always very exciting to face her," said Bingjiao. "Indian players, like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, are very important (tough) opponents. I need to prepare well to face them."
Sindhu, who received the India Open identify in 2017 and completed runners-up final yr, may additionally face a tricky challenge from Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon and the 2012 Olympics gold medallist Li Xuerui of China.
"We would be playing in the quarters or semifinals," Sindhu said about her conceivable assembly with Bingjiao. "I think she is a very deceptive player, and she really plays well. But it is very important to give my best from the first round."
"I don't think we (Indian players) are less in anhything. Psychologically, mentally, physically, we are much more stronger (than before), I must say," Sindhu added.
Winner of the boys's singles crown in 2017, Axelsen unearths himself with India's HS Prannoy in the backside half of the draw. He is expected to face fellow Danish participant Jorgensen in the quarterfinals.
Presenting Axelsen a tricky challenge from the host nation shall be Kidambi Srikanth, who's the sector No. 7 and the 2015 India Open champion. Srikanth, alternatively, is in the most sensible half of the draw with Sameer Verma and B Sai Praneeth
"As always, (the Indian players are) very competitive opponents. You always have to take care. I played Sameer (Verma) at the All England and it was a tough match. It's always tough. They are always dangerous to face," said the 25-year-old, 6-feet-Four-inch Axelsen.
In doubles, India's most sensible men's pair of Satwiksairaj Rankir-Reddy and Chirag Shetty have additionally withdrawn due to a shoulder damage suffered via Satwik. That leaves Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy as India's most sensible hopes.
The tournament begins with the qualifying round on Tuesday, with the finals scheduled for March 31.
The Dane is recent from his appearance in the men's singles final of the All England Championships. That apart, the World No. Four is a most sensible draw at badminton courts across the world, alongside his high-profile team-mate Jan O Jorgensen, who may also be in action at the USD 350,000 World Tour Super 500 tournament that enters its 12th edition.
Badminton powerhouse China have arrived with their greatest ever contingent to the India Open. But two high-profile withdrawals from the Chinese touring party have hit the tournament's build-up.
All England winner Chen Yufei and protecting India Open champion Shi Yuqi pulled out on clinical grounds. The information came after Indian ace Saina Nehwal had previous ended her participation due to an ongoing gastric sickness, which additionally led to her absence at the Swiss Open.
"I think the draw is exciting, (even though) some of the top players aren't here," Axelsen said after ending his training consultation. "However, I try not to focus too much on the draw. I am just looking at my first-round match to get started."
In Chen's absence, India's PV Sindhu is the top seed of the tournament, followed via China's He Bingjiao, who enjoys an Eight-Five head-to-head file in opposition to the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallist.
"Because Sindhu plays at a very high level, when I play against her, sometimes I win and sometimes I lose. It is always very exciting to face her," said Bingjiao. "Indian players, like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, are very important (tough) opponents. I need to prepare well to face them."
Sindhu, who received the India Open identify in 2017 and completed runners-up final yr, may additionally face a tricky challenge from Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon and the 2012 Olympics gold medallist Li Xuerui of China.
"We would be playing in the quarters or semifinals," Sindhu said about her conceivable assembly with Bingjiao. "I think she is a very deceptive player, and she really plays well. But it is very important to give my best from the first round."
"I don't think we (Indian players) are less in anhything. Psychologically, mentally, physically, we are much more stronger (than before), I must say," Sindhu added.
Winner of the boys's singles crown in 2017, Axelsen unearths himself with India's HS Prannoy in the backside half of the draw. He is expected to face fellow Danish participant Jorgensen in the quarterfinals.
Presenting Axelsen a tricky challenge from the host nation shall be Kidambi Srikanth, who's the sector No. 7 and the 2015 India Open champion. Srikanth, alternatively, is in the most sensible half of the draw with Sameer Verma and B Sai Praneeth
"As always, (the Indian players are) very competitive opponents. You always have to take care. I played Sameer (Verma) at the All England and it was a tough match. It's always tough. They are always dangerous to face," said the 25-year-old, 6-feet-Four-inch Axelsen.
In doubles, India's most sensible men's pair of Satwiksairaj Rankir-Reddy and Chirag Shetty have additionally withdrawn due to a shoulder damage suffered via Satwik. That leaves Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy as India's most sensible hopes.
The tournament begins with the qualifying round on Tuesday, with the finals scheduled for March 31.
Sindhu, Srikanth seek to reclaim India Open crowns
![Sindhu, Srikanth seek to reclaim India Open crowns]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
March 25, 2019
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