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* Ranking is no big deal, says Marin

Spain’s Carolina Marin’s badminton career has sky rocketed after winning the world title last year before adding the prestigious All England – two of the most sought after “majors” in the sport.

And her goal this year is focused on retaining the world title in this year’s World Championships which will be played in Jakarta from Aug 10-16  – and is not thinking much about world rankings in her quest for more honours.

Currently ranked World No 2 behind India’s Saina Nehwal, the Spanish lass was quick to add that the “there is more colour to women’s badminton” which was previously dominated by the Chinese players.

“Women’s badminton scenario is now more colourful. We have players from other countries who have caught up and playing top class badminto. My winning the world title last year and adding the All England title this year has given the game a big boost to the game in my country. I am proud to have a played a big role in this,” said Marin after 21-15, 21-19 win over Iris Wang from USA in a second round match in the Maybank Malaysia Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

“I am not happy with my performance…I am tired. But I will recover to keep my challenge in the Malaysia Open. Just like any others I have come here to come to win. I want to win tournaments to build up for the world championships in Jakarta in August. I want to retain the title.  

When asked about her meteoric rise in  her game, Marin was quick with her reply and said: “This is because I have the character to fight to succeed…this is my hallmark apart from hard training and personal discipline. 

 It has been a fairy tale switch from the dance floor to the badminton court for Marin who was very much into dancing in her hometown of Huelva but a very close friend asked her to come and try her hand at a new sport being played in Huelva.

 The only child in the family, Marin became the first Spanish player to win the European title in the European Championship in Kazan, Russia in April 2014, defeating Denmark’s Anna Thea Madsen in the final.

Her priority now is the world championships before switching her target to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

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