‘Want to get into top-20’

[1]

R.M.V. Gurusaidutt

Shuttler R.M.V. Gurusaidutt has shown promise since his junior days. And even though the 23-year old had dished out decent performances in his career, lack of consistency has been a concern. Gurusaidutt, who is targetting the top-20 slot in the world rankings this season, says he is focused on his aim.

“I reached the semi-finals of the Macau Open and then went on to win the Tata Open in Mumbai. I played well in the Syed Modi tournament, entering the quarter-finals. But it’s frustrating to lose after a good victory.
“I know I need to stay focused everyday. The training is helping me and in a year’s time, I hope to gain more strength to be consistent,” Gurusaidutt was quoted as saying.
The world no. 38 reckoned that “being patient” would help him achieve his goals.
Fresh from his Vankina Anjani Devi Memorial all India senior ranking title triumph over top seed and good friend Sai Praneeth 21-19, 21-14 on Sunday, the youngster wants to carry the good run in the upcoming events including the All England championships.
“It was a good win. I will be playing the All England and either the German Open or the Swiss Open next, depending on what (national coach Pullela) Gopichand Sir decides. In the last few events, I have had some good results and want to do well in the next two events now.”
He also felt that his game was at par with India’s no. 1 shuttler Parupalli Kashyap, but he needed to gain more strength to emulate his compatriot’s international feats.
“I need to work on my strength. I have a good game. I can play defensive and also finish off the rallies but I have to gain in strength to be consistent. With more training, I should be there in a year’s time,” he said.
“I have always played close matches with Kashyap and have also managed to defeat him. He is doing so well and his reaching the top-10 rankings is a great motivation for us. I too want to get into the top-20 by July and Kashyap is an inspiration,” the 2008 world junior champion added.
Olympic quarter-finalist and CWG bronze-medallist Kashyap is currently ranked ninth in the world.