Lucknow: World No. 2 women’s singles shuttler Saina Nehwal has withdrawn from Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold badminton tournament at the last-minute citing foot injury and a recurring fever.
“I have not fully recovered from my illness, therefore I need extra time for rest and get back in shape,” explained Nehwal in a statement released from her.
The Olympic bronze medalist hurt her achilles tendon during the China Open last year where she lost to Li Xuerui in the finals 12-21, 15-21 in 39 minutes and skipped Hong Kong Open after that. Even though she defeated World No. 1 Carolina Marin in a Group A match at the 2015 Dubai World Superseries finals last December, she didn’t make it to the knock out stage due to point difference.
In the absence of Saina Nehwal, World No.12 P. V Sindhu who won Malaysia Masters last Sunday, will spearhead the Indian challenge in Syed Modi International.
World No. 11 men’s singles player Tommy Sugiarto of Indonesia and Span’s Pablo Abian are among others who pulled out of the tournament.
