RMV Gurusaidutt is a much improved and confident player after his recent wins in the international Tata Open at Mumbai and the all India ranking tournament. “It’s has been really good for the last three or four months. The strokes are coming out beautifully. The best part is I’m able to play more confidently in the international circuit against some big names,” said 22-year-old Gurusaidutt.
Ranked 38th in the world, the Hyderabad-based shuttler, who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Academy, hopes to break into top 20 this year. But his immediate priority is tobecome number two player in the country so that he will get a chance to play in the World Championship. “That is the big challenge. I have to be consistent to improve my rankings and then hope to play in the World Championship,’’ he said.
How do you assess level of Indian shuttlers at the international level?
Indians are closing the gap at the international level. We have improved a lot in the last few years. Starting from (Parupalli) Kashyap, Srikanth and others, we are faring well against strong players. It is a good sign and the standard has become high. It is good to see some players in the top 50 in the world. Getting into the top 20 like the Chinese should be our next target.
On his game and fitness
I need to work on my strength a little more. I have to become stronger to be consistent. I don’t see any problem in my fitness or in my game or strokes.
On his performances in recent times
There were many ups and downs last year till September. But from October, it has been good. Winning the Tata Open in Mumbai was a big one as I beat most of the players who were ranked below 20 in the world. Playing the Super Series tournaments has bolstered my confidence. I have been performing consistently from the Macau Open. I also played well in the India GP at Lucknow where I lost to Tommy Sugiarto in a close quarterfinals. I have now got the self-belief that I can do well against strong players. Winning the all India tournament at Hyderabad is one of the happy moments as I have never won a national-level tournament, although I won the National Games gold.
On the tournaments he will be playing in 2013
I will be playing in Germany and All-England Open tournaments. My aim is to play in the World Championship this year. I have to be in top two in the country to get into this premier event. Performing well in the coming tournaments is my short-term goal now. I’m hoping to break into top 20 as I have beaten some top 10 players.
On Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap
Saina Nehwal has been a role model for all young players. Winning bronze medal in the London Olympics is an incredible achievement. It motivates all of us. Kashyap has also shown a lot of progress and breaking into top 10 in the world is a good accomplishment. He has become consistent. We play with them daily in the practice sessions.
On Saina Nehwal’s game
Her never-say-die attitude is the biggest quality in Saina’s game. I have watched many of her matches. She never gives up. She gives 100 percent in training sessions.