NEW DELHI: A foot injury early in the year derailed her plans but ace Indian shuttler P V Sindhu is happy to make a successful comeback with a good performance at the Denmark Super Series Premier and a third successive Macau Grand Prix Gold title.
The two-time World Championship bronze-medallist finished runners-up at Denmark Open, her maiden Super Series final appearance, and then clinched her first trophy of the season at the Macau Open yesterday.
The 20-year-old from Hyderabad has now set her eyes on the Indonesia Masters Grand Prix Gold starting December 1.
"It was a great win. I am really happy for the victory. My immediate target now is Indonesia," Sindhu told PTI.
"It was a hat-trick of titles at Macau and overall it was a good performance. Mitani is a good player. I lost to her at the Japan Open but I am happy I could beat her.
"I could have finished it off in the second game but I played two smashes into the nets at crucial moments and it was very disappointing. However, in the third game, I took a lead and maintained it," she added.
Asked about the conditions in the stadium, Sindhu said: "I think judging a shuttle is different everywhere, so there is a drift but you have to be used to it. We can't complain as I think it is same for all."
Asked about the season ahead, Sindhu said: "In January, I am starting with the IBL and then there are so many tournaments like the Syed Modi, Indian Open etc. Also being an Olympic year, each and every tournaments will be important. I wish to improve more and perform well."
It was a rollercoaster ride for Sindhu this season as she lost a lot of time after suffering a navicular stress fracture in her left leg, which kept her out of action for a few months from important events such as the All England Championship and India Open.
Once back, she faced early exits at Australia, Indonesia and Chinese Taipei. She did notch up a win over Olympic champion Li Xuerui but faltered against Mitani at Japan. However, she fought back again with a place at the Denmark final.
Talking about the season gone by, Sindhu said: "Season has been fine. After coming from injury, it has not been that great but I have been playing well. Touch wood, I m completely fine now. Recently in Denmark I played the final, it was my first super series final and also winning Macau was great.
"What hurts most is whenever I am leading and then I lose the match, it is disappointing and there are so many such matches.
"Injuries are part of life, we can't decide on that. I could not play for 3-4 months. It was really very difficult. I think patience is the key. When you are injured, you need to strengthen yourself very well to make a comeback very confidently. It takes some time but I am happy that I am back now," she added.