Saina's on-court performances inspire me: Sindhu

New Delhi: India's rising badminton star P V Sindhu, who made headlines after her win over Olympic gold medallist Li Xuerui, draws inspiration from Saina Nehwal's on-court performances and wants to be as successful as the world number three some day.

"She is a good player, she is very hard working. She has won so many tournaments, super series titles. Yes, her performance inspires me. I also want to win many championships," said Sindhu. Currently ranked 19th, the 17-year-old skipped her sister's wedding to play in the season-ending Syed Modi Grand Prix tournament, but faltered at the final hurdle.

Disappointed that she could not make the opportunity count, Sindhu said she would look to start the new season on a high with some strong showing in the Korea Open, beginning on Tuesday in Seoul. "I will look to win the championship. The practice is going on well. I will give my best there to start the year on a bright note," she said.

"Syed Modi was my maiden Grand Prix gold event final. I played well against Lindaweni Fanetri but my strokes went into the net, my smashes went into the net. Hopefully, I will come out victorious next time," added Sindhu who also won the Asia Youth U-19 championship last year.

Reliving the experience of her win over reigning Olympic champion and World No 1 Xuerui of China in her own den at the China Open Super Series, Sindhu said that was the best moment of her career. "I was happy after the win. I did not expect that. I played well against her, that was my career's best moment."

Sindhu said there has been a change in her style of play in the last one year. "I am working on my stroke play. I am also working on my stamina," she said. Sindhu has been rated as one of the most promising shuttlers after Nehwal and the next big thing in Indian badminton, and the Hyderabadi girl wants to live up to the expectations.

"I have heard such things with a lot of people telling me that you are the next big thing and all. I will work hard to achieve more success." Like other sportspersons, Sindhu also harbours ambitions of winning an Arjuna award like her father some day. "Someday, I would also like to get an Arjuna award."