Lee Zii Jia and Viktor Axelsen to miss 2022 Malaysia Masters
After withdrawing from the Commonwealth Games and suffering an early loss in the Malaysia Open, Zii Jia will miss the Malaysian Masters. Axelsen also skips comp to rest body
Badminton
Badminton fans excited to see Lee Zii Jia and reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in action this week in Kuala Lumpur will have to wait.
Both stars have decided to pull out of the Malaysian Masters at the Axiata Arena from 5-10 July.
Zii Jia, who suffered a shock loss in the second round of the Malaysia Open last week, is reported by The Star to have withdrawn due to not being in the best condition.
It's previously been reported that the 24-year-old will not be attending the Singapore Open (12-17 July), meaning the world number five will not play again until the BWF World Championships in Tokyo from 22-28 August.
Also the recent Malaysian Open champion Axelsen announced on social media that he would be skipping the event.
"I would have loved to compete again here in KL (Kuala Lumpur) this week, and then the SG (Singapore Open)," the Dane said.
"However when I woke up this morning, my body and head were telling me that it's time to rest and recharge before I step on the court again."
"I need some days off to rest, celebrate my recent wins with my family and then build up towards new goals." - Viktor Axelsen
Along with Zii Jia and Axelsen, Anders Antonsen, Shesar Hiren and Rasmus Gemke have also withdrawn from the men's singles competition this week.
READ MORE: Lee Zii Jia reveals plans as he targets first world title
Malaysian Masters 2022: How to watch
The Malaysia Masters 2022 will be aired worldwide, with broadcast partners in all regions.
Those in Malaysia can watch live on Astro's subscription channels.
Be sure to keep an eye on Olympics.com's for full match reports from the Kuala Lumpur.