Consider this my out-of-office...

Well sports fans, I've got a small announcement to make.

Some of you might know that I've been pretty probe to back injuries as a result of a slipped disc.. The latest in my string of ill-fated back problems comes in the form of a sciatica diagnosis, which I find strange because I didn't even fall or perform anything drastic to agitate it.

That's when the disc bulge causes a pinch in the nerves that can, in my case, result in a sharp pain radiating down the thigh.

Recovery for this case will take some time. I'm not being optimistic about this though, and even if I were to recover I don't think I'll be able to play at any level I'm used to...

So I guess this will be my early retirement notice. I probably won't be able to review any new rackets, but I will still do my best to answer the questions that stream in based on previous experience.

It's been a good run, and while I will take my time to heal up, I am definitely looking forward to playing this wonderful game again one day. I've met a few friends here, and also received a lot of compliments from shuttlers all over the world.

Please keep enjoying the game, and I do hope to be able to join you guys once more.