Carolina Marin a tough rival, but can be beaten: Saina Nehwal

BENGALURU: World No. 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal today said All England and World Champion Carolina Marin is a tough opponent blessed with better wrist work but the Spaniard is beatable and the Indian ace will look to get the better off her rival in Japan Super Series starting next week.

"Carolina is a tough opponent, but can be beaten. I beat her thrice before the All England tournament and lost twice to her. She is left-handed player and these are bestowed with better wrist work, she is one like that," Saina told PTI in an interview here.

Despite losing in the final of the World Championship to Carolina in straight games, Saina regained the world Number One crown from the Spaniard.

"I tried my best to tackle her (Carolina) but over-enthusiasm played over me and I lost the last two battles to her," Saina said.

The Hyderabadi player said she would try her best to overcome her mistakes and would see that she tackles her opponent well, if she gets a chance to meet Carolina in coming tournaments starting with Japan Open.

Asked about her preparation for the Japan Open, Saina said, "I am fit and fine and putting my best efforts to learn more and more during training."

Asked about her niggle in the shoulder, Saina said it is fine.

Talking about her chances in Japan Open, Saina said, "Let us see I will take each opponent game by game. It is difficult to predict in the beginning."