Sai, Jwala to skip Korea Open Superseries

Seoul, September 9: Indian badminton aces Sai Nehwal and Jwala Gutta will be skipping the Korea Open Superseries to be held at the S.K. Handball Stadium here from September 15 to 20.

While women’s singles World No.1 Sai did not enter the $600,000 tourment, Jwala will skip the event as she is unwell.

“Hit by viral fever cold cough... Most horrible feeling ever..will be pulling out of Korean open too..hope to get back ASAP!!” Jwala tweeted on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Olympic bronze medallist Sai advanced to Round 2 of the $275,000 Japan Open Superseries but Jwala and her women’s doubles partner Ashwini Ponppa were knocked out of the first round. Jwala played the match against Chi’s Zhao Yunlei and Zhong Qianxin despite being ill.

“Sad that we lost today.The match was good though. @Guttajwala played really well despite being so sick. hope you well soon partner,” Ashwini tweeted.

With Jwala out, Ashwini too is automatically ruled out of the event to be held in the South Korean capital.

Meanwhile, Kidambi Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap have been seeded fourth and eighth at next week’s next. H.S. Prannoy and Ajay Jayaram will also take part in the men’s singles category.

In the absence of Sai, P.V. Sindhu will be the only Indian in women’s singles and she will start her campaign against former World Champion Ratchanok Intanon.

N. Sikki Reddy will partner Pradnya Gadre in women’s doubles and will combine with Tarun Ko next week. (IANS)