BENGALURU Friday 20 February 2009
DC
40
TRIVIA:
sport
Olympic badminton rules say that the shuttle has to have exactly fourteen feathers.
‘My aim is to reach TOP-10’ MAXIN MATHEW BENGALURU
fter notching up a memorable Nationals title on Wednesday, shuttler Aravind Bhat is now gearing up to face his first big challenge of the year — the European circuit. Pumped up and raring to win big, Bhat is aiming at producing a stellar show on the international circuit, which covers the German Open, the Swiss Open and the prestigious All-England tournament. His recent tryst on the international scene saw him reach the Bitburger finals in Germany where went down fighting to compatriot Chetan Anand. He then marched into the quarters at the China Open and Hong Kong Super Series, cementing his comeback in style. Now with a credible string of performances under his belt, the 29-year-old vows to keep the performance chart climbing. “The European tour is a very important start to my career this year. Last year, I played the circuit with an injury so I couldn’t do well. This time, my focus will be on the All-England Championships and I believe I can give it my best,” Bhat said. Draws play an important role in determining how far you can progress in a tournament. The Karnataka lad is set to open against a qualifier at the AllEngland Championships, though he might eventually end up playing Czech Republic’s Peter Koukal, who is seeded second at the event. “The draws are generally small with 32 or 64 players, so it all comes down to how well you fare in the initial stages. The
A
My focus is on the All-England Championships and I believe I can give it my best. My aim is to reach among the world’s top ten shuttlers and with some good results, I’m confident that I will make it competition level will definitely be high,” Bhat added. “My aim is to reach among the world’s top ten shuttlers and with some good results, I’m confident that I will make it,” the World No. 27 said. Furthermore, Bhat stressed that playing on European circuits were far less tiring and not gruelling as compared to Asian circuits. “The playing conditions are much better there (Europe) and weather is also cooler. In the Asian tourneys, conditions are hotter and humid and it takes its toll. Plus, shuttlers have somewhat better facilities on court in Europe such as an on-court physio among others,” he added. Even after having achieved a commendable fitness level, Bhat feels that he still needs to improve. “It can always be better because I’ve reached better fitness levels before. But right now, I’ve stopped finding faults with my game and am looking for areas to improve. Rather than planning longterm goals, I am aiming at doing well in whatever I can achieve,” he said.
Aravind Bhat celebrates after winning the 73rd Senior National badminton championships at Indore on Wednesday. A PHOTOGRAPH BY PTI