Aaron Chia (right) and Soh Wooi Yik all smiles after winning the world title on Sunday. The duo have decided to skip the Japan Open. - AP.
PETALING JAYA: Newly crowned world badminton champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have withdrawn from the Japan Open which begins in Osaka on Tuesday (Aug 30).
Aaron-Wooi Yik became Malaysia's first world title winners on Sunday (Aug 28) after beating Indonesian veterans Hendra Setiawan-Mohammad Ahsan in the final but yesterday, the duo have decided they would take a break instead of playing on.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky confirmed their withdrawals, saying that Aaron had a minor shoulder strain and did not want to risk aggravating the injury.
"Aaron-Wooi Yik have withdrawn from the Japan Open. Aaron has a muscle strain below his shoulder and armpit area," said Rexy.
"They have just competed the the World Championships and I don't want Aaron to play and aggravate the injury.
"Furthermore, both players are are emotionally overwhelmed and they can use the break to recover."
Rexy will remain in Osaka with assistant coach Tan Bin Shen to guide the other players in the tournament while Aaron-Wooi Yik are likely to return soon."
