Badminton at the Asian Games always comes loaded with hurdles, pits and minefields for the Indians. Life just got tougher for the shuttle stars at the Games’ 17th edition here.
“The lighting is obviously a problem, also the drift,” said Saina Nehwal, the World No. 7, after brushing aside Macau’s U. Teng Lok 21-10, 21-8 in her opener at the Gyeyang Gymnasium here on Wednesday.
Malaysian World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei had slammed the lighting at the badminton stadium here — normally lights are arranged only on the sides of the hall but at Incheon there were lights all around — saying that players were forced to look into the light while playing.
“We’re also getting a little drift because of the wind, so we have to be really very careful,” said Saina, the London Olympics bronze medallist. “We have to look at the shuttle very carefully, it’s not very easy to play. But overall, when you feel you’re playing good, it’s good. Still, the conditions are a little tougher than the other tournaments.”
No Indian woman has ever won a singles medal at the Asian Games.
That history must also be a big burden for Saina and P.V. Sindhu to carry. And with the two drawn to meet the world’s top two players in the quarterfinals, the load has become heavier.
Saina is lined up to meet the second-seeded Wang Yihan, a player she has beaten only once in nine encounters, in the quarterfinal.
“It’s a tough draw but I want to give my best. Naturally, she has a better head-to-head record against me but my movements are better in this tournament,” said the 24-year-old who is seeded sixth here.
Tough ride expected
Meanwhile Sindhu, who is playing her maiden Asian Games and is making the most of it, expects a tough life too inside the stadium.
“It’s a tough draw, my next match is against Indonesian Bellaetrix Manuputty. It will be a good match,” said Sindhu, the World No. 10 who defeated Macau’s Wong Kit Leng 21-7, 21-13 in the first round, about her pre-quarterfinal clash.
“The last time I played her in the Uber Cup (in May), it was very close, 25-23 in the last game. If I win against her, I’ll be playing Li Xuerui.
“So, it’s tough. Tomorrow, I’m playing the Indonesian girl, I should not take it easy.”
