IBL Finals: Saina-Sindhu clash could determine the winner

The Warriors will also remember that Srikanth had beaten Jayaram at the Syed Modi International last year, in the only meeting of their careers so far. It was at the same tournament that Srikanth surrendered to Tanongsak in the next round, in their only meeting on the circuit. The Warriors will derive a big advantage if they can clinch one of the two points from the men’s singles matches.

But the contest that is truly occupying mind space is the second meeting in three weeks between the queen of Indian badminton and the apparent crown princess. The teenager has impressed fans with stellar performances against Juliane Schenk and Tine Baun, after the early setbacks against Saina and Carolina Marin. But Sindhu was outplayed by her experienced senior after she held court for the early part of the first game in that duel on the second day of the league.

Meanwhile, Saina has a spotless record in the league, having won each of her league matches. Considering the importance of the contest and the winning streak of Saina, one would have to concede that the Haryanvi retains the edge for Saturday. Besides, Saina was able to control the game in their first meeting by repeatedly drawing Sindhu to the net, where her height is sometimes a disadvantage.

For Sindhu, a lot will depend on her ability to push the shuttle behind Saina on her backhand side. If she could do it consistently, it could create the opening necessary for her to smash into the forehand court. If the Warriors win the first singles, it could liberate Sindhu and the situation could turn dangerous for Saina and the Hotshots. On the other hand, if the Hotshots nick the first point, Sindhu could come under pressure and find it difficult to cope up with Saina.

Either ways, the winner of this contest could prove a decisive factor in the final outcome.

Doubles

Markis Kido has been a sensational success all through the tournament. He provides a degree of comfort to the Warriors. Kido has combined with Mathias Boe to play a key role mid way through the tie and provide his team a point when they needed it the most. The Indonesian doubles specialist has also been a runaway success in the company of his sister, Pia Bernadeth allowing Warriors to win ties even when they had lost two of their three singles matches.

Kido and Boe had combined to give Warriors a point in New Delhi, where they defeated the formidable pairing of Goh Shem and Lim Khim Wah of the Hotshots. They will be expected to repeat their effort in order to give Warriors any hope of beating the team from Hyderabad.

The final piece of the puzzle may only fall in place on Saturday. Will the Hotshots repeat their lineup of the semi-final? Saina was on the card to play alongside Goh in the mixed doubles event, but Pune folded early making the fourth and fifth matches redundant on Wednesday. Pradenya Gadre and Tarun Kona have given everything they got in the matches so far, but Hotshots are clearly not confident about their ability to win the point.

With plenty at stake on the Saturday, it is likely that Hyderabad might once again consider their options carefully before inking the final team list. Pack a little dinner and enjoy it with the family even as you watch the fast and furious flight of the shuttle. The IBL final promises to go all the way to the wire.