Saina, Sindhu likely to miss Japan Open

The tough and energy sapping Uber Cup campaign will probably force Indian badminton sensations Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu to miss the $250,000 Japan Open Super Series to be held in Tokyo from June 10-15.

Despite Saina and Sindhu giving India a 2-0 lead, the hosts lost the semi-final 2-3 to Japan at the Siri Fort Sports Complex here Friday and had to settle for their maiden bronze. They will be awarded the medal at the presentation ceremony Saturday.

“We were not very sure of how this tournament would go but it has drained them out quite a bit. So I would prefer that they play in Indonesia and Australia,” said chief national coach Pullela Gopichand, who usually decides which tournaments his protégés are going to play.

The Japanese event will be followed by the $750,000 Indonesia Open Super Series Premier in Jakarta from June 17-22 and the $750,000 Australian Open Super Series in Sydney from June 24-29.