Top Indian shuttlers like PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen will be in action at the Canada Open 500 as they both will look to regain their lost momentum.
Sindhu, who has been a regular in the top 10 BWF rankings has slipped out due to her poor form and struggle with injuries. Currently ranked 12th in the world, will be looking to play more tournaments and regain her lost form as the Olympics qualification events have begun from last month.
She suffered a major stress fracture on her ankle during her run to the gold medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Ever since returning, she had some good events but also suffered many first-round exits.
Sindhu will start her Canadian open campaign against local favourite Talia NG in the first round followed by eighth-seeded Japan’s Nozomi Okahara who can potentially be her opponent in the quarterfinals. The Indian has a 9-8 win/loss record against the Japanese shuttler.
If Sindhu progressed deep into the tournament, she may face top seed, Akane Yamaguchi. Sindhu has enjoyed a superior 14-10 win/loss record over Yamaguchi.
On the other hand, Lakshya Sen also has a similar story as he will be looking to get some wins under his belt and regain his lost confidence.
Considered one of India’s brightest prospects in badminton, Sen has dropped down to World No.19 this year. Apart from his wavering form, he has had injuries and other health concerns which have hindered his growth.
Sen has made four first round exits this year while his best performance has come at the Indonesia Masters where he reached the quarterfinals. He will be desperately looking to regain his form as important events are knocking at the door. Ever since he returned after his nose surgery, he has found it difficult on the court.
“Recovery was not really good. Whenever I was in training, I was getting injured or sick. Then I had to take a step back for a bit because, for the first two months, I didn’t have any idea that it could be this serious. I made a lot of changes in my foot, and also in the training load,” Lakshya Sen told BWF. The Indian shuttler will take on Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in a very challenging first-round encounter.
