PTI

Hyderabad, Nov 5: India's ace badminton player Chetan Anand feels that the just-concluded European tour, which elevated him to world number 15 spot, was till date the best outing of his career and had made him a better player.

Anand, who has won five of the 11 tournaments since last year and also became the first Indian player to win a men's singles Grand Prix title last month, told reporters on Tuesday that his recent outing in the European circuit boosted his confidence.

"I think this is the best tour of my career. The first tournament I played, Belgium International, I lost in the finals, but ut I was not disheartened. I won the Czech International and Bitburger in Germany. In Dutch GP also I lost a close match. I am quite happy with my performance," Anand, who returned from Europe, said.

Asked about his style of playing, the national champion said he is concentrating more on his game rather than on the opponent's.

Anand also expressed optimism of putting up good show in the upcoming Super Series tournaments in China and Hong Kong.

"I think I have become more stronger mentally and physically after the European tour. My confidence level has improved. I hope I can beat even the world's top players," he said.

"Winning some big tournaments like All England Championship, the Indian Open and the World Championships to be held in India are my immediate goals," he added.

Anand, his shuttler wife Jwala Gutta and her doubles partner Shruti Kurien were felicitated on Tuesday.