Home alone: Partner-less Jwala Gutta withdraws from Sudirman Cup
The doubles specialist has been struggling to find a steady partner ever since she and Ashwini Ponappa parted ways after the London Olympics last year.
India shuttler Jwala Gutta has pulled out of the Sudirman Cup which is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from May 19 to 26. Media reports speculate that the decision may have been taken due to unavailability of a suitable doubles partner, both women's and mixed.
Jwala has not been with a steady partner in either doubles or mixed doubles in the recent past. This after she parted ways with Ashwini Ponappa and V Diju, respectively, after the London Olympics last year.
The 29-year-old -- who will be seen making her acting debut in a Telugu film -- played with Prajakta Sawant in the India Open last month and the duo crashed out in the first round itself. Her showing in the mixed doubles category was also unimpressive with a second-round exit for her and then partner, Diju.
Jwala has struggled to find a partner even if she remains India's best doubles player. She has a world championship medal but her increasing commitment to the Telugu film industry is being cited as a reason for younger players not to team up with her.