Describing his prolonged absence from title finals in an underwhelming season since the All England, Sen told BWF, “Couple of setbacks. Few niggles here and there. And I was out for some time and certain tournaments I was not 100 percent. Happy with the way I played here. This is a good confidence booster. I haven’t played so many matches at a stretch. Since All England when I was playing well, but I can feel the rhythm returning,” he added.

Sen was stretched to three in the earlier matches but was happy he could wrap it up early on Saturday in semis. “Was just focussed on this match. Both earlier opponents were tough. I just wanted to get past the line. But today it was important to start both sets well and I am happy I could. It was important to finish in two and not take it to three again,” he said.

Commenting on the final, he declared, “I’m ready for the fight again.”

Sindhu relentless

After making finals last week at French Open, PV Sindhu was back contesting a title on Sunday at Hylo in Germany. She set aside Anmol kharb in the semis in two easy sets. “I’m playing Anmol after a long time. It’s good to see two Indians in semifinals but I was just playing my game and giving my 100 percent irrespective of who the opponet is or whatever rank is. Happy to be in finals,” she told BWF.

Sindhu played at a good clip and was done in half the time it took Line Kjaersfeldt to down Pornpawee Chochuwong with last set at 28-26.

“I hope I continue the same tempo. I’m glad that I was maintaining the lead, kept lead going and finished it off in two sets,” Sindhu said.

“Irrespective of who it is I need to go back, recover and come back stronger tomorrow and give my 200 percent,” she pledged.

Sindhu won Japan Open this year and this could be her second title after she gets past the 32-year-old Dane.