New Delhi: The entire English badminton contingent has withdrawn from the upcoming India Open after the country’s doubles specialist Sean Vendy and coach Nathan Robertson tested positive for COVID-19.
England’s decision to withdraw was announced on Sunday by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
However, organizers said the COVID tests of all players conducted at the team hotel this morning were negative.
“The entire @BadmintonEnglnd team withdrew two days ago and they are not here in India. #YonexSunriseIndiaOpen2022 is on track and all players tested according to protocol at the hotel this morning came negative,” the BAI tweeted.
Vendy’s men’s doubles partner Ben Lane also confirmed the development with a Twitter message.
“No India Open this year for myself and @SeanVendy after he returned a positive covid test with our coach @Nath_Robertson,” Lane tweeted.
Vendy and Lane were placed fourth in the men’s doubles.
The India Open will be held in the national capital from January 11-16, amid a spike in COVID-19 cases across the country.
The BAI-organized $400,000 Super 500 event will kick off the 2022 BWF World Tour season.
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