Shuttler PV Sindhu sets her sight on Japan Open
What's the story
It was a heart-breaking loss for India's ace shuttler PV Sindhu in the final of the Indonesia Open in Jakarta on Sunday. She was beaten comprehensively by Akane Yamaguchi in women's singles final. Sindhu, who is yet to win a title in 2019, will look to perform well at the Japan Open. Here's more about it.
Drought
Sindhu is yet to win a title in 2019
The Japan Open BWF World Tour Super 750 is all set to start in Tokyo on Tuesday. Sindhu will be aiming to replicate her form and go the distance this time. By claiming the Japan Open, Sindhu will look to break a seven-month title drought. She hasn't won a single trophy this year. Indonesia Open was her maiden final appearance in 2019.
Battle
Sindhu opens her campaign against promising Han Yue
Sindhu opens her Japan Open 2019 campaign against China's 19-year-old Han Yue. The teenager has already made a mark in her short career. Last year, she beat Saina Nehwal to win the Syed Modi International trophy. Therefore, it won't be an easy start for Sindhu, who needs to be on her toes. She also has a chance of meeting Yamaguchi in the quarters here.
Quote
Sindhu aims to do well at Japan Open
"Overall, it was a good tournament for me at Indonesia and I hope I can take the confidence going forward and do well at Japan," Sindhu said after her finale against world number four Yamaguchi.
Saina and Srikanth
All eyes on Saina, Srikanth ahead of Japan Open
Meanwhile, eighth seed Saina is the only Indian to win a title this season. The senior shuttler will open her Japan Open campaign against Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan. Saina enjoys a 3-1 head-to-head lead against her first round opponent. In the men's section, an all-Indian opening round battle between HS Prannoy and eighth seed Kidambi Srikanth is on offer. Srikanth holds an edge over Prannoy.
Indian players
A look at the other major Indian players in fray
Elsewhere in the men's singles, B Sai Praneeth, who had reached the finals of the Swiss Open, will open his campaign Japan's Kenta Nishimoto. Sameer Verma will face Denmark's Anders Antonsen, who was the runner-up in Indonesia. In women's doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy are up against Korean combination of Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong in the opening round.