Wardani’s Loudest Roar Yet
In a season defined by growth, Putri Kusuma Wardani finds herself in the elite circle of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for the very first time – an achievement she speaks of with unmistakable pride.
· PREM KUMAR
“I’m very happy, I’m very proud of myself,” she said. “Only the best over a season play there and I’m happy I’m one of them.”
Her place among the season’s best eight is no accident. Wardani pieced together a splendid year, finishing runner-up at two Super 500 events – the HYLO and Australian Opens – and rising to a career-high world No.7 in September. More telling than her podium finishes though has been her consistency: 18 tournaments, only six exits before the quarterfinals.
Her growth became especially clear during the Sudirman Cup Finals in May. With Indonesia missing their top player Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, Wardani found herself carrying the weight of the women’s singles campaign. Instead of shrinking under pressure, she shone – winning three of her four matches and helping guide Indonesia to the semifinals.