China stars hail better conditions ahead of World Championships; Delhi
The Chinese badminton contingent on Saturday gave a thumbs-up to the preparations for the BWF World Championships, saying the conditions at the Indira Gandhi Stadium were much improved compared to the India Open earlier this year.
The organisers have undertaken extensive measures to upgrade the venue ahead of the World Championships, which begin here on Monday, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the embarrassment that marred the India Open in January.
The Badminton Association of India and venue owners Sports Authority of India were forced to act after pigeons twice interrupted a second-round match between HS Prannoy and Loh Kean Yew during the India Open. Complaints over hygiene and Delhi's air quality also had added to the concerns surrounding the tournament.
With the BWF World Championships returning to India after 17 years, the organisers have left no stone unturned to ensure a smooth staging of the marquee event from August 17-23.
Tokyo Olympics gold medallist and current world no.4 women's singles shuttler Chen Yufei, who competed at the India Open, said the conditions of the venue is much better now.
"I did not prepare much as I was mostly resting to prepare for this event. I feel physically better but its still not at 100 per cent. In this tournament, it will be about having faith and not caring much about the past results," she said during a media interaction.
"It (the condition) is much better now, its just the weather I am not comfortable with."
World no.9 men's singles shuttler and 2022 Asian Games gold medallist Li Shifeng also gave a positive assessment of the preparations.
"I feel that the drift, court conditions including the weather, are well maintained compared to India Open and its a very good place. Even the venue is well maintained and good," he said.
Li said he is prepared to produce his best in the mega-event.
"The preparations have been going well in the last few days but the mental notion behind is not to be opposition centric, its about giving your best and executing the tactics I have.
"Compared to other countries, China has a large pool of players but there is no pressure of performance as its about learning form each other and improving so its beneficial instead," he said.
Paris Olympics men's doubles pair of Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang, currently ranked third in the world, too said the conditions are a bit different from those at the India Open.
"We have prepared very well and it was an intense practice session for us today and we are prepared for the championships. The weather is good here but the court and conditions are a bit different compared to the India Open," the pair said.
World no.3 Wang Zhi Yi, who finished runners-up at this India Open after losing to world no.1 and reigning Olympic champion An Se-young of South Korea, too feels the conditions are much better now.
"I think the stadium has changed a lot, that's very good and I just finished my training, I feel like there was a little bit of wind on the court so we need to get used to the conditions," she said.
She is not putting too much pressure on herself and is just focussing on her process to achieve results.
"Honestly, for now I just want to focus on myself, and my body is not feeling the best but I will prepare my best and take it one match at a time.
"I don't want to think about it (the pressure) or the results and title, I just want to focus on the process. I want to try do a little bit of change tactically and I feel like its working pretty well," she said.
