Top-eight shuttlers from each of the five different categories have landed in Dubai for BWF World Superseries Finals, starting Wednesday, December 13.
Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu will be India's only representatives at the prestigious year-ending tournament after Saina Nehwal and HS Prannoy narrowly missed out on their Dubai berths.
Singles players
Men's singles
| Group A | Group B |
| Son Wan Ho [Kor] | Kidambi Srikanth [Ind] |
| Chen Long [Chn] | Viktor Axelsen [Den] |
| Lee Chong Wei [Mas] | Shi Yuqi [Chn] |
| Ng Ka Long [Hkg] | Chou Tien Chen [Chn] |
Women's singles
| Group A | Group B |
| Akane Yamaguchi [Jpn] | Tai Tzu Ying [Tpe] |
| PV Sindhu [Ind] | Sung Ji Hyun [Kor] |
| He Bingjiao [Chn] | Ratchanok Intanon [Tha] |
| Sayaka Sato [Jpn] | Chen Yufei [Chn] |
Tournament format
- Each player will feature in a single-legged round robin format in the group stage [Play three matches].
- The players who finish at the top two spots at the end of the group stages will progress to the semi-final of the tournament.
- Each match won will give a player a point. In case of a tie at the end of group stages, no of games and then no of points will be considered while deciding the semi-finalist.
TV schedule and live streaming
Global live streaming: BWF YouTube channel
India: TV: Star Sports 2. Live streaming: Hotstar
Malaysia: TV: Astro Supersport. Live streaming: Astro Go
Singapore: TV: Star Hub. Live streaming: Starhub Go
Live scores can be followed on BWF's official website.
Srikanth draw preview
Srikanth, the world number four men's singles shuttler, is eyeing a maiden title in what will be his third appearance in the Superseries Finals. The 24-year-old will be high on confidence, especially after winning a record four Superseries titles in 2017.
Considered one of the tournament favourites, second seed Srikanth has been drawn in Group B along with reigning world champion and holder Viktor Axelsen, fifth seed Chou Tien Chen and third seed Shi Yuqi.
It is safe to say that the Indian men's singles star has been handed an easy draw, given the presence of two former champions -- Chen Long and Lee Chong Wei -- in Group A.
Notably, Srikanth and Axelsen are favourites from Group B to reach the semi-final of the tournament.
Srikanth's record against group opponents
- Vs Viktor Axelsen: 3-3 (2017: 1-2)
- Vs Shi Yuqi: 3-0 (2017: 2-0)
- Vs Chou Tien Chen: 1-1 (2017: NA)
Sindhu draw preview
Fourth seed Sindhu is in good form after reaching the final of Hong Kong Open last month. The world number three reached the semi-final of the tournament last year and will be looking to finish on the top step of the podium this year.
Sindhu, who has had a busy schedule in 2017 looked jaded towards the end of the season. However, the long gap the shuttler has had after the Korea Open should put her in a good position to dominate Group A.
Luckily, Sindhu has avoided her arch-rival and defending champion Tai Tzu Ying, against whom she has lost their last four meetings.
Sindhu's record against group opponents
- Vs Sayaka Sato: 2-1 (2017: 2-0)
- Vs Akane Yamaguchi 4-2 (2017: 1-1)
- Vs He Bingjiao 4-5 (2017: 1-1)
Schedule of key matches on Wednesday, December 13
- PV Sindhu vs He Bingjiao - 5pm local time/6:30pm IST
- Kidambi Srikanth vs Viktor Axelsen - 6pm local time/7:30pm IST
- Sung Ji Hyun vs Ratchanok Intanon - 1pm local time/2:30pm IST
