PV Sindhu Targets Indonesia Open Badminton Title After Macau Hattrick

PV Sindhu won a third straight Macau Open badminton title and not content with her first trophy in an injury-hit season, the Indian shuttler has now set her sights on the Indonesia Masters Grand Prix Gold starting December 1. (P.V. Sindhu Says Macau Open Badminton Title Due to Better Fitness)

The two-time World Championship bronze-medallist finished runners-up at Denmark Open, her maiden Super Series final appearance, and then clinched her first trophy of the season at the Macau Open on Sunday. (PV Sindhu Wins Third Consecutive Macau Open Title)

"It was a great win. I am really happy for the victory. My immediate target now is Indonesia," Sindhu told PTI.

Sindhu defeated the experienced Minatsu Mitani of Japan in three tight games at the USD 120,000 event for her first big win this year.

"It was a hattrick of titles at Macau and overall it was a good performance. Mitani is a good player. I lost to her at the Japan Open but I am happy I could beat her.

"I could have finished it off in the second game but I played two smashes into the nets at crucial moments and it was very disappointing. However, in the third game, I took a lead and maintained it," she added.

Asked about the conditions in the stadium, the 20-year-old Hyderabadi girl said: "I think judging a shuttle is different everywhere, so there is drift but you have to be used to it. We can't complain as I think it is same for all."

"In January, I am starting with the Indian Badminton League (IBL) and then there are so many tournaments like the Syed Modi and India Open Super Series. Also being an Olympic year, each and every tournaments will be important. I wish to improve more and perform well," Sindhu said, speaking about the season ahead.

It has been a roller-coaster ride for Sindhu this season as she lost a lot of ground on her competitors after suffering a navicular stress fracture in her left leg, which kept her out of action for a few months from important events such as the All England Championship and India Open.

Once back, she faced early exits at Australia, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei. She did notch a win over Olympic champion Li Xuerui but faltered against Mitani at Japan. However, she fought back again with a place at the Denmark final.

"Injuries are part of life, we can't decide on that. I could not play for three-four months. It was really very difficult. I think patience is the key. When you are injured, you need to strengthen yourself very well to make a comeback very confidently. It takes some time but I am happy that I am back now," she said.