Want to do some magic in Paris: Satwik

Having had a positive run last month, doubles specialist excited ahead of upcoming World Championships

- ANMOL GURUNG @ Chennai

HAVING weathered a tough spell earlier this summer, shuttler Satwiksairaj Rankireddy is in a happy space. With the BWF World Championships knocking on the door, the doubles specialist, along with partner Chirag Shetty, is plotting to make headlines then.

Having been the gold standard of badminton in recent years, the doubles duo had endured a difficult spell earlier this year. Injuries had not helped their case and despite some noteworthy matches, things were visibly not going as per plans. But after a positive run at the China Open, where they reached the last-four stage, they are now better-placed to mount a challenge during the aforementioned Worlds in Paris. Being proactive in recent months has given them that boost ahead of the marquee event, which is scheduled to be held from August 25 to 31.

"We have been playing continuously and that's a positive. We haven't had any breaks, we are feeling good. We have spent quite a lot of time on the court. We just wanted to get more match practice, that is why we played the Macau Open. We wanted that feel of the tournament, that is why we were playing back-to-back three tournaments," Satwik told this daily.