Indian shuttlers have everything going for them to create CWG history
Indian shuttlers have everything going for them to create CWG history
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Shuttler Nathal Robertson may have been the flag bearer of England's huge contingent at the Commonwealth Games 2010 opening ceremony yesterday. However, it is unlikely that he is going to lead his team to victory when England and India clash in the semi-finals of the team championships starting today. India is seeded second, behind Malaysia, while England is third in the badminton team event.
India never struck gold at team events at the Commonwealth Games, but in this edition, they are poised for the coveted medal like never before. India have an easy draw in Group D where they kick off their campaign against Kenya today. Scotland and Wales are the other countries. None of them are likely to pose any challenge to the supremely fit Saina Nehwal-led Indian team. India will clash with England for a spot in the final.
National coach Pullela Gopichand is confident of India's good showing. "Barring the mixed doubles pair that is ranked higher than Jwala Gutta and V Diju in the world rankings, I don't see England posing a challenge to us in any of the other four events.
'Too good'
"Saina is far too good in women's singles. In men's singles, Chetan Anand and P Kashyap are good enough to win against Rajeev Ouseph in case he is fielded by England. At best, I see a 4-1 win for India and that should spur us all for the final against Malaysia," said Gopichand.
Malaysia has no competition in Group A and B. National champion Chetan Anand made an interesting note of this. "Malaysia is strong in men's singles and doubles, while we are strong in women's singles and mixed doubles. However, with good home support, I feel we may be able to pull it off against the World No 1 Lee Chong Wei.
"I am extremely fit and have trained really hard. I am looking forward to playing against him (Wei). I have had a close three-game encounter with him in the past and I feel that I am in the right frame of mind to play against him," said Anand.
Even if Malaysia wins the men's singles and doubles events, it is most likely that the tie may go into the fifth match where Gutta will hold the key in the women's doubles match. Coach Bhasker Babu said: "Our team is supremely fit and I do not see any reason why players like Jwala, Saina, Chetan, and others will be any less than the top Malaysians or the English players," he concluded.
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