Gopi Chand to start campaign on Monday

Sydney: National champion Pullela Gopi Chand will rely on his deceptive skills to match the power and speed against his Ukrainian rival V Druzchenkov in the men's singles badminton at the Olympics on Monday.

On his day, the Hyderabad-based lad, who has been India's number one shuttler, can take the sweat out of the best in the world and is not expected to do a repeat of Aparna Popat who squandered an early advantage to lose in the women's section on the first of competitions on Saturday.

For the 1998 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Druzchenkov is not an unknown quantity. ''I have played and beaten Druzchenkov. He is a very tough player and a greater fighter,'' Gopi Chand said about his first rival.

If Gopi Chand crosses the first hurdle he would face world number 2 Hendrawan of Indonesia whom he has never played. ''I will like to concentrate on the first match first and then think of the next,'' an unassuming Gopi Chand said.

Gopi Chand had a fine practice run-up in preparation for the Olympics. He beat world number 6 Xing Xing Ping of China and world number 9 Ongewe Hock of Malaysia before losing to world number one Indonesian player Taufik Hidayat 12-15, 11-15 in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open last month.

''Though I did not have enough practice here but I have no complaints as everybody else was also given equal time to practice,'' Gopi Chand said adding that he was prepared for the big showdown.

If not a medal, Gopi Chand could finish at least among the top bracket. ''I will give my best and leave the rest to God,'' he said.

Coach Arif was all praise for Gopi Chand and described him as a world-class player. ''He is a real medal prospect. He has improved his game tremendously and can beat anybody on his day,'' he said.

''Gopi is very fit and has had some tremendous performances to his credit which should help him here.''

Arif was of the view a cool temperament and total control over his nerves would help Gopi Chand. ''He never gives up and is a fighter to the core, he has played some of the world's best shuttlers and is not scared or overawed by them.''

Gopi powered India to the Thomas Cup finals this year and has reached the quarter-finals of the All-England Championship twice. He also won the Toulouse and Scottish Open titles last year.

UNI