Hyderabad, Jan 30 (UNI) Two of the world's best woman shuttlers, PV Sindhu and Tai Tzu Ying will lock horns as Hyderabad Hunters host Bengaluru Raptors in the much-awaited clash of the Premier Badminton League, here on Friday.
The excitement for this encounter was building up since the auction for the fifth edition of the league was held as Sindhu and Tzu Ying orchestrated two of the most enthralling matches on the BWF World Tour last year.
Sindhu got the better of the World No 2 Tzu Ying on her way to clinching a historic gold medal at the World Championships and the Indian is very much aware that the Chinese Taipei ace won’t be nothing short of a stiff challenge even at the PBL.
'Tai is always fun to play against. It’s not going to be easy. But we’ll be playing in front of our home crowd. Yesterday we had a few losses, but overall we won the tie. It’s going to be a good fight tomorrow. I am really looking forward to it,' said the world champion.
With the defending champions, Raptors suffering a loss in each of their three ties so far, Tzu Ying knows the importance of a win against Sindhu.
"When you compare tomorrow's match with other matches we play on the Tour, this is a very different one. Because this is PBL, we have to work along with our team members so that the Raptors manage to get a win. It's very crucial for us to win this match," said Tai.
For Sindhu, finding her own confidence and conviction on the court is imperative. Despite Hyderabad Hunters starting their home leg with 2-1 victory against the North Eastern Warriors, the Rio Olympic silver medallist did not have the same fate.
After a loss against World No 10 Michelle Li, the Indian ace knows anything short of her best form won’t suffice against somebody who has a 12-5 record against her.
"Yes, I lost yesterday but at the same time it's important to move forward and look ahead. I will rectify my mistakes in my training session and I am ready to focus on the next match," said Sindhu.
She also said that while the rivalry between her and Tzu Ying is intense on the court, they share a great rapport outside of it.
'On the court we have a rivalry because both of us want to give our best and win the match. Outside we are great casual, normal friends and we share a great bonding with each other,' revealed Sindhu.
While Sindhu vs Tai clash will be the cynosure of all eyes, the Bengaluru Raptors will be desperately hoping to end their winless streak and World Championships bronze medallist Sai Praneeth’s form could be a real difference-maker.
Sai Praneeth notched up his first win of the fifth season in the Raptors' most recent tie against Pune 7 Aces in Lucknow, which should boost the team's confidence.
From Hyderabad’s perspective, they would love to see World No 42 Daren Liew take his winning momentum from the Hunters’ last match as they look forward to giving the home fans a treat.
UNI AVK ADG 2002