K. Srikanth says that the Dubai World Super Series Finals is one of the biggest and toughest tournaments in badminton, possessing an aura and significance that sets it apart.
The reason? Since it’s a gathering of the world’s best, there are no free passes, no time to find your feet. “So, it is important to be focused, alert from the first round, and seize the chances that come your way for five days,” he says.
It isn’t merely that every point matters a little more when the standard is elite. There is also an added edge that accompanies every contest.
“That feeling of being one of the top eight out to prove a point will make that slight difference in Dubai compared to other Super Series,” says Srikanth, for whom the event is a comeback of sorts, having missed the China and Hong Kong Opens.
What will his focus be over the tournament? Is getting to No. 1 in the world a priority? “The biggest challenge is to be able to be fit for every match,” Srikanth, currently ranked No. 4, says. “I don’t think too much about the World No. 1 ranking. I always believe, I repeat, that it is important to play consistently and once the results are in place, these rankings are taken care of.”
