Hyderabad:
After notching up an incredible hat-trick of international titles, ace Indian shuttler Saina
Nehwal on Tuesday said she is confident of becoming the world's number one player soon. (
In pics: Saina's rise)
Saina, who rounded a hat-trick of titles by defending her Indonesia Open Super Series trophy in Jakarta, said she would now have to work harder to improve her ranking from number three to one. (
Watch: Sania's presser at Hyderabad)
"Now it is important for me to work harder and win the next international events rather than concentrating on the ranking. If I can become number three, then I can also become number one," Saina said at a press conference.
"I enjoyed all the matches in the three tournaments. I was a little tired but was confident that I could do it. Finally I am happy that I have won three titles in a row. Now, I want to win the upcoming tournaments," she added.
Before winning in Jakarta, which was the 20-year-old's third Super Series title overall, Saina had won the Indian Open Grand Prix at home and the Singapore Open Super Series tournament.
"Last year it was tough for me to win the Indonesia Open and it was something special as it was my first super series title. But the recent one is special because I have won three tournaments in a row," said Saina.
Earlier, the Tamil Nadu Badminton Association gave her a grand welcome at the Chennai airport. TNBA Secretary Ashok Bajaj presented her with a Ganesha and a bouquet.(
Watch: Grand welcome for Super Saina)
Speaking to NDTV, the World No. 3 said: "I can not believe I won three tournaments in a row. One thing led to another. From Grand Prix to the Singapore Open and now the Indonesia Super Series ".
However she said, the hat-trick of wins was not necessarily aiming for the No. 1 position. She is also said that she never expected to become World No. 3 this year.
Saina notched up an incredible hat-trick of titles by successfully defending her Indonesia Open Super Series trophy with a hard-fought win over Japan's Sayaka Sato on Sunday.
This was Saina's third successive title, having won the Indian Open Grand Prix at home and the Singapore Open Super Series Tournament last week. It was also the 20-year-old's third Super Series title overall.
"Playing lesser tournaments this year, has helped me train more and therefore win more tournaments," Saina said.
When asked about her motivation, Saina said: "I just like winning, that's my motivation". She also praised her coach and former champion Pullela Gopichand and called him her biggest inspiration. "Gopichand has been my biggest inspiration - he has stood by me, even in rough times," she said.
Talking about her future plans, Saina said she was looking forward to the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships.
Asked to choose her biggest rival, Saina said: "All my competitors are playing so well, it is hard to say who my biggest competitor is."
"To beat the World No 1 is going to be the toughest at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. On the international level, you never know who's going to put up a big fight. I am going to prepare myself to face all my opponents," she added. (
Congratulate Saina)
(
With inputs from PTI)