Syed Modi meet: Saina, Srikanth start favourites

Lucknow, November 19

Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth will start favourites when they spearhead the Indian challenge at the Syed Modi International tournament, which has lost a bit of sheen with the pullout of Olympics silver medallist PV Sindhu. The tournament begins on Tuesday. With Sindhu missing, India will have two defending champions in the tournament with Sameer Verma looking to retain the title to enhance his chances of qualifying for the year-ending World Tour Final. The mixed doubles pair of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy too will eye a repeat.

Saina will look to secure her maiden BWF title of this season when she begins her campaign against Mauritius' Kate Foo Kune in the opening round. Saina is likely to face little resistance until the final, where she is expected to meet former Olympics champion China's Li Xuerui. — PTI