India's badminton sensation Saina Nehwal delivered a trademark crosscourt smash to hopes of many badminton fans yesterday when she revealed that she was down with Chicken Pox 10 days before the World Badminton Championship to be held in her hometown Hyderabad.

However, just like she is on the court never one to lose hope till the final point is over the World No 6 looks set to rally and emerge victorious against the virus. At least, that's what her doctor believes. "The good news is that the disease is receding," Saina's physician Dr Hariprasad told MiD DAY yesterday.

The ailment could also hamper Saina's practice regime ahead of the event. However, Dr Hariprasad said: "As she has had the disease for a few days already, so another two days rest should be more than enough for her to get back on to the court and practice normally."