Counter-attack paid off: Saina Nehwal

It took a 70-minute effort for DNA to get through to Saina Nehwal but once we did, the Singapore Open Super Series champion took questions on her win and more.

The Singapore Open is your second Super Series title. What’s coming up next?
Indonesian Open is my next target as I am the defending champion. There are, however, many more in the pipeline like the World Championship, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. So I have to remain focused.

All your teammates perished in the earlier rounds. What was on your mind before the final?
They all played well but unfortunately they could not make it to the finals. I am sure they will bounce back in the upcoming tournaments. As for me, I just wanted to play my game and I did. The only factor that mattered was my game. I was playing against Tzu Ying Tai (of Chinese Taipei) for the first time but once I got to know her game plan I went for counter-attack and the end result says it all.

What did you do differently in the second game after a close
first game?
As I said, I did not know her game. She was very aggressive so I countered her moves and started getting a tad defensive and waited for her to make mistakes. I was patient and that paid off.
Has the semifinal victory against world champion Lu Lan helped?
Not exactly. I have played Lu Lan earlier and had beaten her at the Indonesian Open last year. It all depends on what one has to deliver on a given day. I did what I wanted to do today and that did the trick.

Why do players from China or Indonesia hold an edge over others?
We Indians do many things other than playing and that is the reason why we lag behind. We have to be full-time athletes first, and that will make the difference. I want more people to take up racquets and to be more focused on the game than playing it just for fitness.

What does it take to become a badminton champion?
Fitness is the only key to becoming a champion irrespective of the game you play. Badminton is no different. After fitness, comes commitment towards the game. If these two factors are kept in mind, no one can stop you from becoming a champion.

Does height play any role?
No. I am 5’5’’ and the world champion, Lu Lan is 5’2’’, so it is not about height. Yes, being taller could help you to hit smashes but that is not everything and doesn’t make a big difference in the end.

What would Saina Nehwal want to give back to the game and her country in particular?
Make badminton a part of everyone’s life and not just a game to pass time. I would like to say to the youngsters to devote time and be sincere to the game. Fitness is the secret of any champion and if these aspects are kept in mind, no one can stop you.