MUMBAI: Saina Nehwal is on a high after the World Junior badminton exploits against the Koreans and Chinese.

The Indian believes she can now take on international players after the Incheon experience.

"I have gained in confidence and can now think of not only taking on Chinese players at international events, but even beat them with more hard work," said the women's singles top seed at the IndianOil-sponsored India International badminton championships.

The women's main draw commences on Wednesday at the Goregaon Sports Club indoor courts. South Korean Joo Young Sang is the strongest player in the women's draw.

Next target

For the World No. 33-ranked (as on November 9, 2006) Indian, already looking beyond personal or national rivalries.

"I aimed to reach the top 40 this year. I am already surprised about how far ahead I have moved up. The Doha Asian Games is my next target, the world's best women will be playing there since Asian nations dominate badminton now," said the 16-year-old, who credits coach P. Gopichand's assuring presence and personal trainer Dilnaz's diligence for confidence in preparation and competition.

She silenced the Korean crowds at Incheon by defeating Bae Young Joo in the World Juniors semifinals, and now the pressure of expectations will become part of her kit bag at future events, like the $10,000 Mumbai tournament.

"I play well only when competing on constant basis. If I don't play regularly, then it is tough to maintain performance levels. So I look forward to each tournament and try my best, winning or losing is part of the game," reasoned the Indian, second in world juniors and already the object of worldwide attention.

Saina has video CDs of top women players, so was not surprised to see Asian coaches capturing her World Junior matches on video. "I am no longer a new player for the Chinese and the Koreans next season, all coaches know how I play. They will be prepared the next time," she said, talking on China's ability to surprise due to depth of home-grown badminton talent.

"China fields different players at various levels, it is tough to keep track of all of them. Wang Yihan, who beat me in the final, was a new face for me."

On her part, Saina relies on self-belief to win matches and influence people into looking at badminton in new light.

Meanwhile, India's challenge in the men's singles event will be hit by National champion Anup Sridhar's withdrawal from the Indian International Badminton Tournament, citing injury. Ravinder Singh moves up in the main draw in his place.

India's Bibari Basumatary overcame a first-game loss to teammate Dhanya Nair before winning 20-22, 22-20, 21-7 in a women's singles qualifying match at the Goregaon Sports Club indoor courts.

Neha Pandit wore down Anita Ohlon to secure a place in the main draw, winning 12-21, 21-15, 21-19.

The results (qualifying rounds; Indians unless specified):

Men's singles: Rohit More bt Nigel D'sa 21-11, 21-15; Sachin Ratti bt Tanvir Gill 21-19, 21-11 Women's singles: Ridhi Panjwani bt Neha Makwana (concd.), Krishna Dekaraja bt Sonal More 21-14, 21-12.

Men's Doubles: Bristow Marcose and Xavier Jaison bt Vijay Ram and Mayank Bahl 21-18, 24-22; Kiran Kumar and Vineet Manuel bt Rajeev Bajaj and Tanvir Gill 21-15, 21-18; T. Dinesh and Jayan James bt N.N. Vinayak and K. Tanishq 21-14, 21-19.

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