BWF World Championships | Was expecting long battle given Okuhara’s reputation, says PV Sindhu

BWF World Championships | Was expecting long battle given Okuhara’s reputation, says PV Sindhu

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PV Sindhu has revealed that she was expecting a longer battle from old adversary Nozomi Okuhara in the BWF World Championships, given the quality the Japanese possesses. The Indian No.1 shuttler also credited coaches Pullela Gopichand and Korean coach Kim Ji Jyun’s guidance for the win.

Sindhu was ahead by just one match in her 8-7 head-to-head against Okuhara, but her unfortunate tryst in finals over the last one year meant she wasn’t the favourite going into the game. However, whether it was Sindhu playing exceptionally well or Okuhara having an off day, but the Indian had an exceedingly dominating win in the final on Sunday to become the first player from the country to win the championship.

And, she didn’t shy away from expressing her surprise at the manner of the outcome after the match. “Honestly, I was expecting a long battle, given Okuhara’s reputation. But, I am glad that I could peak at the right time and never really let the lead slip away,” Sindhu said, reported The Hindu.

“Definitely, the Korean coach Kim Ji Jyun’s inputs and Gopi sir’s guidance were major plus points in my campaign,” she said. “I must say Kim has her own effective style of getting the best out of me.

“I never felt any pressure before entering what was my third final. I just wanted to give my best shot and didn’t bother whether I would win or not when the final started,” she revealed. “The best part is there were very few unforced errors and it was a near-perfect game,” she added.

Sindhu also mentioned that she didn’t have such an ultra offensive strategy right from the start but with her getting everything right, she went with the flow. 

“It was not a conscious ploy to attack right from the first game but since every aspect of my game was falling in place, I just ensured that the momentum never really slipped away. I am immensely delighted with what is the most important win of my career,” she said.

While there would be many more events in the run-up to the end of 2019, Sindhu’s biggest challenge next would be the Tokyo games, which has been scheduled less than one year from now.

“Well, one goal is achieved and the next one is there — Olympics. I will really work hard and will prepare to win that one also by doing well in the Super Series in the run-up to the Tokyo Games next year,” she concluded.

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