Singapore: Former badminton ace Xiong Guabao feels that India's Saina Nehwal could be the only woman shuttler who can consistently beat the Chinese players even though she has lost a few crucial matches of late.
"Right now there is no one who can compete with the Chinese players and the only competitor who appears to have a chance to end their dominance is Saina Nehwal of India," Guabao said on Wednesday.
Guabao, who won 13 major titles, including the Thomas Cup singles crown during 1980s and 1990s has not seen the Indian ace play "live" but from what he has seen on television, he
felt that Saina has the skills to stop the Chinese juggernaut.
"She is a very talented player with strong skills. If she can put in the extra effort and improve her game she can do the job," the veteran said.
Guabao said that the girl from Hyderabadi, currently ranked fourth in the world, carry huge burden of expectations of her countrymen.
"After winning the Indonesian Open she became famous and with that came tremendous pressure (to consistently do well)," said the 49-year-old player who hails from Guangzhou, China.
Guabao, who is now a renowned coach, said Dan is the best player he has seen in action from his playing days till now.
"Lin Dan has been the best. He is very fast on the court," Guabao said.
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