After PV Sindhu decided to skip the Macau Open 2016 in order to concentrate on the World Super Series Final slated for December, Saina Nehwal has become the lone Indian women singles player in the competition. This is not something new for the Indian shuttler, who carried the national flag on her shoulders when Sindhu was not a well-known figure in the international circuit.
Saina Nehwal is knocked out of the Macau Open: Read here
Sindhu has bagged the headlines with her recent performances, winning the China Open and finishing runners-up in the Hong Open. On the contrary, Saina failed to deliver in both the competition. In fact, this Macau Open 2016 will be her third competition after her knee injury in August.
Her movement might not have been too impressive, but things are improving for the former world number one, who will face Singapore's Hanna Ramadini in the opening round of Macau Open 2016. The two players have already met once in world badminton, with Saina emerging victorious in the Indian Open 2015.
Saina is a strong favourite to not only reach the second round, defeating Ramadaini, but also go all the way and win her first title after coming back from surgery. With Saina not present in the World Super Series Final, this is her final competition of the calendar year, and she will hope to end on a high.
Saina should not have much trouble in getting past the player and use this match as practice for future matches in the competition. Such competitions like the Macau Open, if she wins it, will give her a good chance to gain confidence for next year, where she has to win some major titles to climb higher in the rankings chart.
Can Saina finally get her game going in the Macau Open?
BWF Macau Open - Saina Nehwal's match is expected to start around 3:40 pm IST
Live Scores - HERE
