Fit and raring to go, ace India shuttler Saina Nehwal said that the onus would be on her to boost the team’s confidence and get the momentum going by winning her first singles match in the upcoming Li-Ning BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals.
There will be three singles and two doubles during the tournament and while Saina will be playing the first singles, P V Sindhu will be competing in the second rubber of Uber Cup.
“First singles makes a lot of difference. It will be crucial for the players ahead. I have to be very focused. If I could perform well in my opening singles match, it will boost the confidence of others also,” Saina said at the launch of the prestigious event.
“Hope we win my and Sindhu’s singles, as well as Jwala (Gutta) and Ashwini (Ponnappa) in doubles. I hope we as a team perform well. Momentum is very important. Starting has to be good. If first singles does not go well then there is a lot of pressure on the shuttler playing the second singles,” she added.
The London Olympics bronze medalist expressed confidence of the team making the semifinals of May 18-25 event.
“Everyone is playing well. Indian players’ performances were good in ABC (Asian Badminton Championship). I did not play in ABC as I wanted to recover (from my injuries) and train hard for Uber Cup. I have been working hard for last one month and practising hard for last 4-5 days here. I will give my 100 per cent. I can see everyone working hard.
“For Uber Cup, we have a good chance of making the semifinals,” said Saina.
