Saina pulls out of nationals, doubtful for Korea Open

Top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal is likely to skip the $600,000 Korea Open in Seoul next month, the first Super Series of 2014, due to ill health. An unwell Saina has informed the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to withdraw her entry from the Korea Open that is slated for 7-12 Jan. “Saina has informed us that she is unwell and unfit. She is suffering from cough and cold and has asked us to withdraw her entry from the Korea Open in January. We have not done it yet but will do in due course of time,” BAI vice-president T.P.S. Puri told IANS here Tuesday. [caption id=“attachment_1294037” align=“alignleft” width=“385”]  An unwell Saina has informed the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to withdraw her entry from the Korea Open that is slated for Jan 7-12. AFP[/caption] Puri added that Saina has also decided to skip the ongoing the Senior National Badminton Championships, that started here at the Siri Fort Sports Complex Monday, also due to health reasons. When IANS pointed out that Saina hasn’t taken part in the nationals in the last five years, Puri said: “She had sent her entry this year. If she wasn’t willing to participate, why would she send her entry for the tournament?” After a superb 2012, Saina’s form dipped in the 2013 season, and she could not win a single title in the year. IANS