New Delhi: Had P.V. Sindhu not won a medal in World Championship, her clash with Saina Nehwal would not have attracted so much attention in Indian Tennis circuit.
The two top women shuttlers will be taking on each other first time in a competitive tournament when they represent their respective franchises Awadhe Warriors and Hyderabad Hotshots in Indian Badminton League on Thursday here at DDA Badminton and Squash Stadium.
Their Thursday clash has not only generated anxiety among their compatriots but has also made Gopichand Pullela, national coach, nervous who has taught them the nitty gritty of the game. Gopichand remained diplomatic and said it was not about "Saina or Sindhu but Saina and Sindhu".
However, opinions are divided on who will win the battle.
Doubles specialist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jwala Gutta feels Sindhu has the edge. "It's always good to have somebody new winning. And Sindhu is riding high on her world championship bronze. So, it will be good to see Sindhu giving a good performance on Thursday," she said.
World No.17 Parupalli Kashyap, who will be playing for the Bangalore team Banga Beats, feels Saina has the experience. "Sindhu will no doubt be fresh from her worlds performance, but Saina has more experience. It will be a tough fight no doubt, but I will give more percentage of victory to Saina because she is more experienced," he said.
