Winning the Indian Open would be crucial for Saina Nehwal to regain her career-best ranking of world no 2

The task is cut out for Saina Nehwal.

The ace Indian shuttler has more than pride at stake when she plays in the Indian Open, the first BWF Super Series event to be held in the country.




Winning the title would help Saina consolidate her current world ranking of four. And that would also put her in a position to try and regain the World No 2 spot, her career-best ranking so far, when she plays in the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold tournament next week.

However, the Hyderabad-based girl has denied any pressure and was excited about playing in the $200,000 event, the richest badminton tourney ever to be staged in India.

"I am not under any pressure, I will take each match as it comes. All players who play in the main draw are very fit. So am I. I think it will be interesting two weeks for me," she said. "I am absolutely fit and fine, and raring to go. I am very clear that I am here to win and my practice sessions in the last two weeks have been very sharp."

The Siri Fort stadium has been a happy hunting ground for the 21-year-old. "I won the Commonwealth Games gold here (in October last year) after being a match point down. This venue has proved lucky for me and I am sure I will also have the home support as during the CWG," said Saina who would open her campaign today against the very dangerous Ai Goto of Japan.

If she overcomes Goto, the iconic player is likely to meet her All England nemesis Eriko Hirose of Japan in the quarter-finals. Hirose defeated the Indian in Birmingham in the last-eight stage but Saina extracted revenge the very next week at the Swiss open.

Tine Baum, the Danish second seed and a two-time All England champion, could prove to be another tough nut to crack. Saina has never defeated Baum before and the tall Dane, though recuperating from an injury, is known for her tenacity on court and attacking game.

Among the other Indians in the fray, the spotlight will also be on the women's doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponappa, the CWG gold medallists.

Lee Chong Wei, World No 1 and the reigning CWG and All England champion of Malaysia, is men's title favourite after beating legendary Chinese player Lin Dan thrice in the last six months. Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand, veterans Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat are the other players to watch.