Lee Zii Jia
PETALING JAYA: Lee Zii Jia and Viktor Axelsen have decided to skip the Malaysian Masters starting on Tuesday (July 5) at Axiata Arena.
Fifth seed Zii Jia has decided to pull out as he is not at his best condition.
Reigning Malaysian Open champion Axelsen has also decided to give his body some rest after a hectic run. Prior to the Malaysian Open, the top seed had also won the Indonesian Open and Masters titles.
Barring any upsets, both had been expected to cross sword in the quarter-finals.
Said Axelsen on his Facebook page:" I would have loved to compete again here in KL this week, and then the Singapore Open, 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."
The other withdrawal in the men's singles are Anders Antonsen (Den), Shesar Hiren (Ina) and Rasmus Gemke (Ger).
Japan's Kento Momota, who came up short in the final of the Malaysian Open, will be out to go one step better. He is seeded second in the tournament.
