NAGPUR: The only city girl in women's singles qualifying round, Shruti Chokhandre is banking on home advantage as she gears up for India Maharashtra International Challenge 2022 to be played at Divisional Sports Complex, Mankapur, from Tuesday.
"Playing on home turf and having good knowledge of indoor hall and its courts would help me stay at the top of my game," said Shruti, who will play Akansha Matte on the first day, in the qualifying round of Nagpur's first international badminton tournament.
The 21-year-old Shruti is seeded 12 in the qualifying round, while the other local talent - world No. 47 Malvika Bansod - is the title contender being the top seed in the main draw.
In the women's doubles, in-form pair of Ritika Thaker and Simran Singhi are seeded second. Main draws will start from Wednesday.
The Hislop College student, Shruti, known for her rally-defensive style, played in the first round of the last edition of Infosys Foundation India International Challenge 2021.
Shruti's coach Kunal Dasarwar is confident of her good performance in the tournament. "She's reacting well on the court and is converting her shots. If the tall shuttler gives her 100 per cent, there would be no stopping her," said Dasarwar, who imparts training to her at DNC College.
All the players had a practice session at the complex on Monday. Malvika, Ritika, Simran, Shruti and players from other cities sweated it out in the evening and got the feel of the newly relayed courts and lights before the tournament kickstarts.
