KUALA LUMPUR — Despite narrowly missing out on her first Super 100 title at the Indonesia Masters II, K. Letshanaa believes she has still made significant strides in her career.
In today’s women’s singles final in Surabaya, the 21-year-old shuttler lost 21-19, 21-17 to local shuttler Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi.
However, rather than dwelling on the defeat, Letshanaa told Scoop that she is beginning to notice positive developments in her game and is determined to maintain her momentum.
“Of course, it’s disappointing, because on paper I should have won; I was even leading in both games,” she said.
“But it is what it is, and I don’t want to dwell on it. Reaching my first Super 100 final, after the Malaysia Super 100 quarter-final and the Indonesia International Challenge semi-finals last week, is still a good breakthrough for me.
“I can see more consistency in my game, and I just need to keep working hard. Hopefully, I’ll break into the world’s top 50 this year,” added Letshanaa, who will play in one more tournament this season, the Super 300 Syed Modi International from November 26 to December 1.
Reflecting on her progress, Letshanaa credited former women’s singles coach K. Yogendran, now in the men’s singles department, and several others who have helped her build mental strength.
“Looking ahead, I want to achieve certain milestones, one step at a time. Having made it to my first Super 100 final, I now aim to win a title, and then target semi-finals in Super 300 tournaments, and perhaps more,” said Letshanaa.
Separately, national women’s singles coach Jeffer Rosobin, who has worked with Letshanaa since his switch from the national junior squad last month, noted her strengths and areas for improvement and already has a preliminary training plan for her.
“It’s a promising start for Letshanaa and me, especially in these last two tournaments.
“I have a rough idea of the programme I want to introduce. First, I want to build her physical strength. Once she’s stronger, her confidence will grow, and she’ll play more boldly,” Jeffer explained.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles final, independent shuttler Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, also playing in his first Super 100 final, lost 21-10, 21-9 to last year’s world junior champion Alwi Farhan of Indonesia. — November 3, 2024