Mumbai: Icon player Lee Yong Dae will lead Mumbai Rockets in this edition of the Premier Badminton League and the South Korean star wants to lead from the front.
“I have played in the Chinese League which is a bit tiring as each set comprises 21 points. But here it will be interesting. We are used to more pressure in the Super Series and the World Championships but it will be a pressure of different kind here,” Dae, who will compete in the PBL for the first time..
Doubles specialist, Dae will represent Rockets in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles and the side’s fortunes depend a lot on him.
“We have a fairly balanced team. Our biggest strength is women’s singles. She (Sung Ji Hyun) is in great form. She has a fair chance against anyone. The men’s doubles is a bit of a scratch combination; even mixed doubles is the same. Our chances of qualification for the semi-finals depend a lot on Lee Yong’s form in the men’s doubles and mixed doubles,” said Ajay Jayaram, who will play the first men’s singles match for the Mumbai based team, while his team mate and compatriot H.S. Prannoy will feature in the second men’s singles match.
Although Dae, Jayaram and Prannoy are looking forward to play the 11-point sets, which according to them will be exciting for the spectators, their Polish team mate Nadiezda Zieba is a bit skeptical. “I don’t feel good about it. It will be too fast and there is no time for comeback. I would have felt better if it was 15-point set. Not so strong players could beat strong players,” she said.
Nadiezda who hasn’t played in any league before, feels the success of European young players Carolina Marin of Spain and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen is inspiring young generation.
“Marin and Viktor’s performances have been inspiring. The young generation of Europe is more coming to badminton. Some organistaions are coming forward for players and the game is growing,” she added.
Mumbai Rockets will start their campaign against defending champions Delhi Acers at the NSCI on Tuesday. The match will follow after Bengaluru Blasters and Chennai Smashers match.
