ANNA RICE BADMINTON

It was a difficult decision to make, but last week I decided to withdraw from the 2009 World Championships.  In L.A. last month I suffered a hip injury that I had hoped would be gone in time for the World Championships, but unfortunately it took longer to heal than expected.  I got the injury in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open, and after that match I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it through the tournament.  With the help of taping and pain killers I was able to play on and bring the title home : )  But my body paid the price. 

Although I'm disappointed that I won't be able to compete in Hyderabad, I wouldn't have been as prepared as I would have liked even if my hip was finally recovered.  At this point in my career, I'm only interested in playing tournaments where I feel confident I can challenge anyone in the draw.  With a playing style based so much on my physical shape, I know I need to feel fit to have a chance to challenge the best in the world. 

With every negative situation there is always a positive to be found somewhere in the story.  For me, the silver lining of this injury cloud is that it has given me more time to prepare for my upcoming wedding-- and what a task it has been!  

 I'm very excited for the 'big day' and will be sure to post some pictures here once the day has come and gone. 

I was feeling badly that I didn't record my match in the finals of the U.S. Open championships  last month.  Thankfully, someone else did! You can watch my match in the videos section of my website, just click here: