After a much-needed rest following a feet injury, Saina Nehwal will look to continue her rampaging form, while Kidambi Srikanth would be hoping to carry on his confidence from reaching Indonesia Masters final when the Indian duo face the best in business at the BWF World Super Series Finals starting, here on Wednesday.
Saina will face Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara in her opening Group A women’s singles match. The 2011 finalist, Saina has a 4-0 record against Nozomi.
The 25-year-old has been clubbed with World No. 1 Carolina Marin of Spain and Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in Group A.
Srikanth, meanwhile, will face Japan’s Kento Momota, against whom he has a 3-3 record.
World No. 2 Saina said she is keeping her expectations low. “I’ve been undergoing physiotherapy for the last three weeks and I feel I’m in good shape, but you never know. I’m not expecting big results because of the injury which I had in China. I just want to give my best,” said Saina.
Talking about her group, Saina said: “It’s a very tough pool. Both Tai Tzu and Carolina have defeated me this year, so it’s not going to be easy.”
Carolina wins POTY
All England and World champion Carolina Marin pipped Saina to win the Female Player of the Year award from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer on Monday night. Marin held off competition from China’s Zhao Yunlei, Saina and China’s Bao Yixin.