Unbeaten Marin says she still has to 'raise the bar'

“When you win you feel better. But for me, how I win is more important,” the two-time World champion Carolina Marin said.

Carolina Marin has set her sights on All England Championships this year.

Olympic champion Carolina Marin says that she is feeling good but still not 100 per cent fit.

“I have to raise the bar despite a satisfying stint so far in the ongoing Premier Badminton League for Hyderabad Hunters,” she said.

Speaking after her demolition of Scottish opponent Kirsty Gilmour of Bengaluru Blasters on Thursday night, Marin says she is just 24 and has every reason to keep setting fresh goals.

Match Report: Hyderabad Hunters vs Bengaluru Blasters

Marin says she cannot pick any three players who can be real challengers in her pursuit of excellence again in the international circuit. “For me every player is tough as you have to keep improving and working really hard,” she said.

“My next big target is the All England championship. So, playing in the PBL has been very fruitful as there were quite a few tough games too,” Marin said. “Well, I repeat I have to work really hard to keep winning the big titles,” she added.

“When you win you feel better. But for me, how I win is more important,” the two-time World champion said to a query.

Marin virtually pleaded not to compare badminton with football or any other sport back home in Spain. “Badminton is known to everyone in Spain now. But the problem is people tend to compare it with football or basketball,” she said.

The big achiever from Spain avoided a direct reply as to who was her favourite Indian player. “Sai," she said, bursting into a big laugh with Sai who was sitting beside her in the briefing,” she said. “ I have no favourites,” she said on a serious note.

Referring to the changing of names of Super Series and the Grand prix events to Tier I, 2 events, Marin said she was not sure how the fans would react to them though it was a good idea.