Srikanth aiming for World Championship qualification

Kidambi Srikanth is targeting to put up an impressive performance in the next three major events, starting with the India Open in Delhi from March 28, to gain an entry into the World Championship to be held this August in Glasgow.

Kidambi Srikanth is making a comeback at the India Open after a four-month injury lay-off.

Rio Olympics quarterfinalist Kidambi Srikanth is targeting to put up an impressive performance in the next three major events, starting with the India Open in Delhi from March 28, to gain an entry into the World Championship to be held this August in Glasgow.

Speaking to Sportstar , the 24-year-old former India Open champion said the preparations had been really good on his comeback trail after a long lay-off because of an ankle injury.

“Coming back to international circuit after a fourth-month break will be tough given the kind of competition in the men’s circuit. There is very little difference among the top 20 players,” Srikanth said.

“I can’t say whether the focus in the run-up to the three events – India Open, Malaysia Open and the Singapore Open – is on one specific area. There has to be a constant effort to keep improving,” the shuttler, known for his jump smashes, said.

“At this level, you cannot say you have an easy draw or a tough one. Anyone can beat any player on his day. I repeat, it all depends on how well you get your act together on the given day,” Srikanth observed.

The champion shuttler from Gopi Academy doesn’t agree that he did not live up to the expectations after winning the 2014 China Open in style by beating the local favourite and world champion Lin Dan.

“Coming back to international circuit after a fourth-month break will be tough given the kind of competition in the men’s circuit. There is very little difference among the top 20 players.”

“I don’t think so. There have been some good performances like entering the semifinals of Malaysian Open, winning the Syed Modi, winning South Asian Games gold and reaching the Rio Olympics quarterfinal last year,” he recalled.

“I remember I pushed myself too far before the Rio Olympics by playing in too many tournaments. And, when I look back, I think I have always done well after coming back to the circuit after a long break. This is what I am hoping for this time around,” the soft-spoken Hyderabadi said.

“Yes, I am aware that is not enough. You have to keep changing gears and more importantly keep winning big titles,” Srikanth commented, while acknowledging the support of GoSports Foundation and Li Ning.

The World No. 31 felt one of the biggest challenges he might face in India Open would be taking on World No. 4 Dane Viktor Axelsen. “I have a 3-1 record in my favour against him. Hope to improve upon it,” he signed off after another long grinding session.