Jwala likely to have a new mixed doubles partner

Ace India shuttler Jwala Gutta said that she is likely to have a new mixed doubles partner in Manu Atri from the next tournament. "I have already given a letter and from the next tournament our (Jwala and Manu Atri's) entry will be sent and we will start playing," Jwala said.

Jwala and V Diju represented India in mixed doubles category for a long time.

The duo had bowed out in the second round of the mixed doubles event at the just-concluded India Open Super Series badminton tournament.

Jwala has a new partner -- Prajakta Sawant -- in women's doubles category also. They lost in the first round itself but Jwala said that it would take them some time before they start producing results.

"I have just started playing (with Prajakta). This was my first tournament and I think I played well. I am getting fitter.

"Me and Ashwini (Ponnappa), when we started playing, the first year there were no performances at all. So, I am not going through a bad phase. Me and Prajakta, developing a relationship on court and you will see good results soon," she said.

Jwala replied in the affirmative when asked whether she would stick to Prajakta as her women's doubles partner.

Photograph: Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters