“It is an unbelievable feeling. I am so happy to be No. 2 after a two-year gap,” was how Saina Nehwal reacted after regaining the world N o. 2 ranking on Thursday.
Speaking to The Hindu from Malaysia, Saina Nehwal pointed out: “Yes. It is really difficult to stay at the top but I am happy with the way I have been performing. I am delighted at the latest rankings.”
The 22-year-old champion shuttler from Hyderabad had held the world No. 2 ranking in 2010. Incidentally, that was the dream year for the best-ever woman badminton player from India when she won three Super Series titles.
Targets
What are her targets in 2013?
“I want to play well. All that I am looking for is an injury-free year. There is no better joy for me than playing badminton,” she said.
When the Badminton World Federation released the latest rankings on Thursday, it was perhaps an apt tribute to someone who redefined the levels of excellence.
She was off to a dismal start in the Korean Open last week but Saina has now entered the Malaysian Open quarter-final where she is tipped to be the favourite to clinch the honours.
Interestingly, the top 10 world rankings for women has only four Chinese players.
Kashyap is No. 10
Meanwhile, Parupalli Kashyap has also entered the top 10 in the world rankings in men’s singles.
This Hyderabadi is now ranked No. 10 according to today’s list.
