New Delhi, July 30 - Saina Nehwal's preparation for next month's World Badminton Championships in Hyderabad suffered a huge blow as she was diagnosed with chicken pox.

The badminton ace, ranked sixth in the world, has been down with chicken pox since Sunday, confirmed her coach Pullela Gopichand.

Gopichand, however, hoped that she will recover in time for the Aug 10-16 event.

'She was not feeling well since Saturday. The doctors confirmed Sunday that she had chicken pox. She is taking all care in the last four-five days. There is still some time left for the tournament and and we are hoping that she will be fine,' Gopichand said on phone from Hyderabad.

Saina is India's biggest hope in the elite event. She had been riding high on form and won her maiden Super Series event in Indonesia last month.

The 19-year-old, who has got a bye in the first round, is banking on her home advantage to put up a strong performance.