Injury forces Sai out of PBL opener

Mumbai, Jan 2: Ace Indian shuttler and Awadhe Warriors captain Sai Nehwal pulled out of Premier Badminton League's opening tie here on Saturday due to injury.

Following pain in her right leg in November, the 2015 World Championship silver medallist underwent a scan to diagnose her Achilles tendon problems and was prescribed rest for a couple of weeks.

After playing in the Chi Open where she lost in the fil to Li Xuerui, the 25-year-old pulled out of Hong Kong Superseries due to injury in mid-November. “Last couple of weeks, I was having an injury. I am on the verge of recovery. I want to be safe and take a bit of time to be fit to play,” Sai said here.

“I hope to recover very soon and be fit to play the rest of the matches. This will be the first time I will be sitting and watching and not taking part,” the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist added. The World No.2 now has two days to recover before her team Awadhe faces Delhi Aces on Monday in Lucknow. IANS