Focusing on majors: Saina Nehwal

The three major badminton events — World Cup in Paris, Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and Asian Games in Guangzhou — are in the priority list of Saina Nehwal.

The top seed in the women’s singles of the India Open Grand Prix Gold Championships is hoping to cash in on her good memories of Chennai, where as a junior she ruled the roost in the Krishna Khaitan tournament.

“I’m not going to be worried about my ranking this year. I am prepared for three weeks of hectic schedule - India Open Grand Prix Gold followed by the Super Series events at Singapore (June 15) and Indonesia (June 22),” Saina told reporters before her practice session at the SDAT Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Monday.

“My focus will be on playing well in the World Cup (Paris, August 23 to 29), Commonwealth Games (New Delhi, October 3) and Asian Games (Guangzhou, China November 12). I know I can achieve the No. 1 spot (currently No. 5), but I want to be fresh for the tournaments. After this 3-week schedule, I’ll take a break of about a month or so,” she remarked.

Asked about her chances in the India Open, she said, “The draw for the India Open is pretty strong with all players being good fighters.”