It seems like win together. After winning the China Open Premier last year, Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth came, played and won at home on Sunday night. It seemed that nothing could stop in front of a full house at the Siri Fort stadium. Adjuster, insurance and literally on top of the world, Saina first crashed his way to glory – to win their first Super Series in the country.
Srikanth, determined not to be left out of the celebrations, returned in the decider to collect the winning trophy at the Yonex Sunrise India Open.
Having been close before, Saina left nothing to chance. She stood, broken and outpointed former world champion, Thailand Ratchanok Intanon 21-16 21-14 as the crowd chanted his name. “It was good that Saina won before my game. He gave me confidence,” said Srikanth defeating sixth seed Viktor Axelsen 18-21, 21-13, 21-12.
“This tournament has produced many surprises,” said an elated Saina after 49 minutes of fighting on the court. Along with his first victory here, herself has said the world No 1 spot when the ranking are released on Thursday.
Saina has an Olympic medal nine Super Series and now the world No 1 spot. Now what? “I need more titles, more win, hunger I have.” Where classification is released, Srikanth also expected to increase. 4 Although the world is not too concerned about the ranking, the first is always the goal for any Shuttler.
“Right now I’m concentrating on my game. I do not think winning each time and why not be afraid.” It’s never easy to beat an opponent twice, but that’s what made Srikanth. The final was a rematch of the Swiss Open GP Gold summit clash. As Axelsen made an unforced error, the young man from Guntur pocketed his second Super Series.
So how does one celebrate that achievement? A party or an ice cream, perhaps? “I have to catch a flight to Malaysia,” Saina laughed. Srikanth looked puzzled when asked about his plans for celebration. The 22-year-old has already directed his attention to the Malaysia Open Super Series Premier next week. After that, head to Singapore. Celebrations can wait.
Fans queued from early morning, waiting in anticipation to see the Olympic bronze medalist in London in vivo. Although Saina had a 5-3 head-to-head on the 20-year-old Ratchanok not meant the Indian could take it easy.
