Want to be the Best, Says Saina Nehwal Before Semifinal Clash in India Open

Top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has said she will be ranked World No.1 if this is in her destiny. (Saina Nehwal Sights No. 1 Ranking)

The Hyderabadi is ranked No.2 in the world and has a very good chance to overtake China's Li Xuerui and become the highest ranked player in the world.

"I want to be the best. It's not about the ranking, it's about being consistent. Li Xuerui is injured. You can't ignore the fact that she's the best player in the world," said the 25-year-old.

"But she's been injured over the last few months. When she comes back she will be strong. The Chinese will come back and they will be ready for us."

The race for the the No.1 ranking in women's singles entered its home stretch on Friday at the $275,000 India Open Superseries with Saina and reigning World Champion Carolina Marin both making the semifinals.

With reigning Olympic champion Xuerui sure to lose her top ranking next week after a long reign, the badminton world is abuzz speculating who her immediate successor will be.

Saina is favoured to seize the coveted position. Only a semifinal loss followed by Carolina's title win can deny her the historic moment.

"Everybody dreams of winning the Olympics or the World Championships. I'm one of them. But I want to be relaxed, enjoy my game. Becoming No.1 is a good thing. If it's in my destiny, it will happen," said the top seeded player of India Open being held here at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.

China have dominated women's singles ranking over decades, with few interruptions. The last non-Chinese woman to be World No.1 was Denmark's Tine Baun in December 2010.

"It's not just about being No.1. I feel blessed that I'm in the top five," concluded Saina.