Sindhu, Saina look to end 54-yr old wait

Wuhan (China), April 23

PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal will attempt to end India’s 54-year-old title jinx at the Asia Badminton Championships beginning here tomorrow.

Dinesh Khanna had become the men’s singles champion at the Asian Championship in 1965, and no Indian has managed to walk in his footsteps. Last year, HS Prannoy and Saina Nehwal won bronze medals in their respective categories. Saina had won two bronze medals at the Asia Championships, in 2010 and 2016, while Sindhu claimed the bronze at the 2014 event in South Korea. 

The two will have their task cut out in a draw which boasts of the likes of Akane Yamaguchi, Chen Yufei and Ratchanok Intanon, among others, though defending champion Tai Tzu Ying has withdrawn from the event.

Sindhu begins her campaign against Japan’s Sayaka Takahashi. A win is likely to pit Sindhu against Pornpawee Chochuwong. Sindhu is expected to stave off the challenge, which should bring her face to face with South Korea’s Sung Ji Hyun, who has beaten her twice this year. 

Saina will begin her campaign against China’s Han Yue and is likely to clash with Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the quarterfinals. Kidambi Srikanth will face Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in the opening round. — PTI