Jwala-Diju pair pull out of Macau Open

India's mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju pulled out of the Macau Open after the latter picked up a back injury during their lost quarterfinal match in the World Badminton Championship at the Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad.

India's mixed doubles pair of Jwala Gutta and V Diju pulled out of the Macau Open after the latter picked up a back injury during their lost quarterfinal match in the World Badminton Championship at the Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad.

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The world number eight pair was seeded second in the tournament which starts on Wednesday at Macau city but the decided to skip the tournament and would next play in the Chinese Taipei Gold Grand Prix starting August 25.

"I felt a little stiffness in my back during our last match, so I decided to skip the Macau Open and take some rest so that we can play in the Chinese Taipei. It is not serious, its just an old pain. I'm okay and we would leave for Chinese Taipei next Sunday," Diju told PTI.

India's new women's doubles pair of Jwala and Ashwini Poppanna will also have to miss the tournament.

"As me and Diju are not participating in the Macau Open, it won't be feasible for me and Ashwini to go for only one event. It is unfortunate but we will have to miss that. I have spoken to Ashwini and she understands," Jwala said.

Jwala and Diju are hoping to crack the top five bracket by the year end.