Lucknow, Jan 21 (IANS): Chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand is expecting his most famous protege Saina Nehwal to do well at the $120,000 India Grand Prix Gold, the main draw of which begins at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium.
The World No.8 Hyderabadi had a relatively poor 2013 followed by a second round loss at the $500,000 Malaysia Open Super Series Premier last week. This tournament is Saina’s best chance to start afresh in the New Year with a title.
“I think this is a fresh start for Saina this year. I am expecting her to do well here,” Gopichand said at the customary pre-tournament press conference.
The former All-England champion added that the Tier-III tournament was a big opportunity for Indian shuttlers to test their skills against foreign players, especially against the young Chinese.