Tze Yong will not return to Malaysian Open

PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong will not return to action in the Malaysian Open from Jan 7-12 in Bukit Jalil.

Tze Yong, who last played in the Asia Team Championships in February, will not be risked for the home tourney as he continues his bid to return to full fitness after undergoing two back surgeries.

The 24-year-old's name was initially listed for the tournament but the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) then decided to withdraw him.

Tze Yong's absence means world No. 8 Lee Zii Jia and world No. 29 Leong Jun Hao will be Malaysia's only representatives in the men's singles.