It is shuttlers from China, who have been dominating badminton circuits all around the world as they figure primarily in the finals of all major competitions, but the 2015 All England Badminton Championship does not comprise of any Chinese star.
The final is set to be played between India's Saina Nehwal and Spain's Carolina Marin later on Sunday for the women's singles title in Birmingham. Nehwal's world ranking stands at 3, while Marin is ranked 6.
Though there are no Chinese players in the final, the game between the two is expected to be a huge one, as Nehwal would be high on confidence after defeating two Chinese players in the tournament. On the other hand, Marin is the current world champion and has also looked good in this edition of the championship.
The Indian defeated Wang Yihan 21-19, 21-6 during the quarter-finals and it was an even more easier outing against Sun Yu 21-13, 21-13 in the semi-finals, while the Spaniard brushed off competition from Tzu Yin Tai of Chinese Taipei with the score reading, 21-18, 21-11.
The Indian star has been in such form this tournament that she is yet to drop a game. Will she be able to maintain that momentum against the world champion and defeat her as well?
Nehwal has been such a consistent performer in the women's circuit that she is one of the most respected and also one Indian who is feared by the players of the modern era.
Even, the Chinese players have a high regard for the Indian.
Hence, with it comes pressure to perform in each and every tournament. "It's a big hurdle because many people think I should get to the final anyway - and that I should win every tournament I play," she told mediapersons in Birmingham.
After putting up such performances in the lead up to the finals of the competition, Nehwal would be more than desperate to win the title, which has never been won by any Indian female.
Only two male players, Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand won the competition in 1980 and 2001 respectively.
Would 2015 be the year when Saina Nehwal clinches her first All England Badminton Championship? In a few hours time, the question would be answered as well.
Where to Watch Live
The All England Badminton Championship Singles Finals between Saina Nehwal and Carolina Marin takes place after the mixed doubles final, which is set to start at 12pm GMT (5:30pm IST and 8am ET).
Viewers in India can catch the action live on Star Sports 2/HD with live streaming on Starsports.com, while viewers in the UK can watch it live on Sky Sports 3.
