The grand treble she achieved last month, winning the Indian Grand Prix, Singapore and Indonesian Super Series, had catapulted her to the third spot on June 24 and as China’s Wang Xin lost 3,400 points in the last week, the Indian ace moved one rung up to be second.
Thrilled at the phenomenal achievement, Saina said that the rise in rankings reminds her of the responsibility to do well for the country. "I am feeling thrilled. I can’t believe that I am world No. 2. I know it’s all because of the three consecutive victories last month. But I am a little bit tense now. I know there will be a lot of expectations. It’s a great responsibility, though," Saina said.
Admitting that staying at the top will be a tough task, the 20-year-old said that she is determined to work hard and win more tournaments. "I know it’s very tough to stay on top. But if I continue to work hard and stay fit I can stay there," Saina said.
At the start of the season, Saina’s target was to break into the top-5 by the yearend, but the sudden escalation has helped her set new targets for the year. "My plan was to play very few tournaments and reach the top-5 by the end of the year but I am pleasantly surprised to have breached that mark so soon. Now I want to win the World Championship and become the No. 1 at the same time. Hope, I can do that next month," she said.
Saina may have to wait a little longer to achieve the top rank. Even if she wins the World Championship, Saina may not get the top rank unless reigning world No.1 Wang Yihan fails to reach the final. Saina needs to better Wang by a round at the World Championships to be held in Paris from August 23 to 29.
The Hyderabadi girl, who is training hard for the World Championships, said that she’s confident of doing well in Paris. "I feel it’s a great honour to enter the World Championship as No.2 and I am keen on giving my best there. I have about one month to train and I think that is good enough to gear up for a big tournament," she said.
Her coach Pullela Gopichand said that the new ranking will give Saina a great deal of confidence. "It’s a great achievement which will enhance her confidence. I am confident that she has the ability to stay there," Gopi said.
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