Photo: AFP
PETALING JAYA: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen (pic) has pulled out of the Malaysian Masters from May 23-28 at the Axiata Arena.
The world No. 1 was forced to retire from his match against independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia in the quarter-final clash between Malaysia and Denmark in the Sudirman Cup in Suzhou on Friday after pulling his hamstring.
The Dane then took to Twitter to share that he had suffered a muscle strain in his left hamstring.
“The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that I went through showed a muscle strain in my left hamstring,” tweeted Axelsen.
“I’m therefore not able to be on court for the time being and will miss the next few tournaments.
“I’m taking it one day at a time and I’m looking forward to start working my way back to full speed again.”
Axelsen’s absence has thrown the men’s singles competition, especially in the top half of the draw, in the Malaysian tourney wide open.
Indonesia’s world No. 31 Shesar Hiren, who was drawn to face the Dane in the first round, could now benefit. Thailand’s world No. 9 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie (No. 6) and India’s H.S. Prannoy (No. 7), who have also been drawn in the top half, will also be looking to take advantage.The Malaysian tourney is the first individual tournament offering valuable ranking points for qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
