By winning the Malaysian Grand Prix Gold title, PV Sindhu has taken a step in the right direction. Sindhu beat Juan Gu of Singapore 21-17, 17-21, 21-19 in the final at Kuala Lumpur.
The top seed hit as many as 17 smash winners compared to just nine by the Singaporean girl.
“I was nervous and I’m happy that I won the title. I could not believe it that I won my maiden title,” said Sindhu.
Sindhu, who has already been touted as the next Saina Nehwal in the making, won her first major international Grand Prix title at the age of 17 years while Saina won at the age of 16 years. Tall Sindhu, who became the first Indian to win Asian Junior title last year, has been making rapid strides in international badminton. But her wins over Olympic champion Xureui Li and former All England champion Shixian Wang were significant results.
Chief coach Pullela Gopichand said the win at Malaysia is a big boost for Sindhu. “Sindhu has been playing good badminton in the last three tournaments and today (Saturday) she won the Malaysian GP title. This would do a world of good to her confidence and her game,” said Gopichand.
Gopichand expects Sindhu, who is currently ranked World No 13, to break into top ten by this yearend. “To have two Indians in top ten will be a big boost to Indian badminton. She has to play consistently well in international tournaments. What I like about her is she has learnt to absorb pressure. She has shown a lot of character and she has been playing a mature game,” said Gopichand.
Daughter of former international volleyball player PV Ramana, Sindhu has been a product of Gopichand Academy.
Former chief coach SM Arif said Sindhu has the making to be a world class player.
“She has a good game to be a world class player. She covers the court well and has already shown good talent,” said Arif.
