Jwala Gutta and I can't expect miracles straightaway, says Ashwini Ponnappa
Ashwini Ponnappa says the Commonwealth Games gold-medallist pair would look to test themselves at next month's Denmark Open and are not thinking about their past record much.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: September 27, 2013 06:44 PM IST
With Commonwealth and Asian Games coming up next year, Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta might be joining hands once again but the celebrated women's doubles pair is not expecting any miracles when they take the courts in Denmark Open Super Series Premier from October 15-20.
One half of the Commonwealth Games gold medallist pair, Ashwini said they would look to test themselves at the Denmark Open and are not thinking about their past record much.
"We have been successful in the past but we are not expecting miracles from ourself straight away. We want to take things calmly, as it comes," said Ashwini, who ended as runners-up with Arathi Sara Sunil in the 35th PSPB Inter Unit Badminton Tournament.
"Me and Jwala will be training for two weeks with (Mohammad) Arif sir and then start playing at the Denmark Open, French Open and Bitburger Open. For us the important thing right now is to get back on the court and start playing together," she added.
The world championship bronze medallist pair had separated after Jwala decided to take a sabbatical following the London Olympics last year. Since then, Ashwini has been playing with Pradnya Gadre.
But just before the Indian Badminton League, Ashwini and Jwala decided to get back together.
Talking about her game, Ashwini said: "I was not very good at the nets earlier but I have improved on that aspects and I'm comfortable going to the net, which has helped me in mixed doubles and doubles as well.
"Me and Tarun (Kona) are not the typical mixed doubles players. He is a good net player but now he is also trying to play at the back. We have been training for two weeks in Bangalore and hope to do well."
Meanwhile, runners-up in the men's singles competition of the PSPB tournament, world number 43 Sourabh Varma says he is desperate to take a break to regain his strength.
"I have been playing constantly for sometime and could not get a break. It is difficult to retain your strength and focus if you keep playing. I am tired and completely drained," he said.