Jakarta: Indonesia’s top mixed doubles pair, Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir has decided to withdraw from the 2014 World Championships that will take place from August 25 to 31 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tontowi injured his ankle during a training session at the Australian Open last June. After the injury, the pair had to withdraw from Australian Open and returned to Jakarta for treatment and rehabilitation. However, Tontowi’s ankle recovery is taking longer than expected. To avoid aggravating the injury, the pair was forced to pull out of the world championship.
“It takes at least one month of preparation before appearing in a tournament. We’ve calculated that he only has 18 days for preparations before the World Championship. So the pair is definitely not ready to defend their title,” said Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI).
Although absent in the World Championship, Tontowi injury is expected to recover 100 percent and able to play at the Asian Games in September.
“Currently, Tontowi’s physical condition is not at 100% yet; therefore, his focus will now switch to the Asian Games,” added PBSI.
