Singles shuttler Justin Hoh. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh will step in to replace Lee Zii Jia at the Asian Championships following the latter’s withdrawal.
The tournament is set to take place in Ningbo, China, from April 8-13.
Under Badminton Asia regulations, if a player or pair ranked in the top 32 withdraws, the vacant spot is first offered to the next highest-ranked player or pair from the same country, provided the eligibility quota has not been exceeded.
This meant that when Zii Jia, the 2022 champion pulled out, the slot automatically went to the next best-ranked Malaysian who was not originally in the main draw.
Since Justin was already listed as a reserve, he became the next eligible player.
Meanwhile, Leong Jun Hao and Ng Tze Yong have also been confirmed for the tournament.
In the mixed doubles event, Yap Roy King-Valeree Siow will replace Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who made a surprise withdrawal.
Roy King, however, will have double duty in Ningbo, as he had already qualified on merit in the men’s doubles event, where he will be making his debut alongside Wan Arif Wan Junaidi.
This sets up a demanding challenge for Roy King, as he will be the only Malaysian player competing in two events.
