'Jwala's confidence sets her apart from all other partners I've had'

Hyderabad: With little over two weeks left for the Olympics, Indian shuttler V Diju said there was no time for experimentation and he along with partner Jwala Gutta would stick to the tried and tested strategy at the big event. Diju and Jwala, ranked 13 in the world, have done consistently well in the last few years and are hopeful of putting up a good show in the marquee event. [caption id=“attachment_374709” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Diju says Jwala is the best partner he’s ever had. AFP[/caption] “My preparations are very good. We are practicing under an Indonesian coach at Gachibowli in Hyderabad. I don’t have a special strategy for the Olympics. Whatever we were doing earlier, we are continuing the same,” Diju told PTI here today. Diju and Jwala were the runners-up at the Indian Open at Hyderabad in 2009. The duo also reached the final in World Super Series Masters final in Malaysia the same year. Riding on these performances, the duo had reached the career-best ranking of world number six in August 2010. Diju said they are excited at the opportunity to participate in the biggest sporting event. “It is a good feeling. It is a matter of great pride for me to play in the Olympics. I am really excited about it,” he said. He also praised Jwala, whom he described as very helpful and a player with great self-confidence. “I have played with different partners before. Jwala is better than them in comparison. She is very confident,” he said. PTI