My ambition is No 1 ranking but Ayush, Lanier & seniors won't make it easy: Victor Lai

NEW DELHI: France's Alex Lanier, Indonesia's Alwi Farhan, Canada's Victor Lai, Thailand's Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul and India's Ayush Shetty — they all have one thing in common besides the obvious love for badminton.

Key points

• The unassuming shuttler had quietly created his way into the Indira Gandhi Stadium with not numerous taking notice of him.
• India was a small breakthrough for me, first time making a semis (Super 75 level) at a higher level tournament.
• I'm not like more experienced players looking to gain points and win some tournaments.
• I have played more, gaining experience every game, every match.

Hope both Ayush & I can grow at the top level: 'Good friend' & potential Round of 16 opponent Alwi Farhan Despite making waves by capturing Canada's first ever medal at the World Championships last year, he was still largely not a popular face when he last arrived here for the India Open Super 750 event — just his second appearance at the 750 level then. "I'm not like more experienced players looking to gain points and win some tournaments. I just want to improve as a player first, that's the most significant thing for now, " he had informed The New Indian Express then.

For context, the unassuming shuttler had quietly created his way into the Indira Gandhi Stadium with not numerous taking notice of him. He had travelled with a few Canadian players, additionally taking part in the event, and he had no coach to lean on during matches. He could be spotted at the stands, studying his potential rivals with undivided attention. In a matter of days, he had left a notable imprint on the fans with a creditable third-place finish.

"India was a small breakthrough for me, first time making a semis (Super 75 level) at a higher level tournament. So I was really happy as I obtained a lot of confidence from that. I have always had more backing. It's really nice to be a home coach here, " Lai. This person now has come along with his coach this time, recalled.With two titles — which includes Super 1000 win in Indonesia — and four third-place finishes this season, Lai, with his underdog mentality, has taken no time in becoming one of the top shuttlers in the business. That experience has naturally handed him the extra boost, giving him the license to dream major.

"I have played more, gaining experience every game, every match. I have always been out there and been kind of an underdog. No experience, no expectations. Gradually as I build and build, I'm starting to secure that belief that I can compete against top guys. Every win against a top-32 player, it's significant for my mental expansion."Lai, one the evidence of his results, has a high-ceiling and his performance in the next few days could possibly support him secure closer to his target.

Taken together, the developments around my ambition is No 1 ranking but Ayush, Lanier & seniors won' t point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.