Indonesia's best mix-double withdraws from India Badminton Open

JAKARTA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The best mix-double pair of Indonesia Tontowi Ahmad/Liliyana Natsir has decided to withdraw from the Super 500 India Open.

According to the head coach Richard Mainaki, the cancellation was due to Tontowi's health.

"Tontowi called me yesterday (Monday), saying that he is not in the best condition. So I decided to cancel (the pair's) participation in the India Open," Mainaki said.

The coach also said that this could not be avoided and prefers that the two shuttlers focus on preparation for the All England badminton championship.

He said Tontowi's concentration was a little bit disturbed ahead of the birth of his second baby recently.

According to Mainaki, the cancellation has led Indonesia to lower their ambitions in the tournament.

"The target is to pass the semifinal at least," Mainaki said.

The India Open 2018 will kick off on Wednesday.