PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles shuttler Wan Arif Wan Junaidi has been dealt a scare before the World Championships after coming down with fever and the flu.
Wan Arif is preparing to make his debut with Yap Roy King in the world meet, which starts in Paris next Monday (Aug 25).
Men's doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi said the 23-year-old fell sick and could not train on Monday (Aug 18).
"Arif was down with fever and flu on Monday and could not train. He has returned to training today but has still not fully recovered yet," Herry said after overseeing a training session at Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara on Tuesday (Aug 19).
"He could not take part in one of the three sessions I planned. He could participate in the other two. I am a bit worried as the world meet is quite close.
"I will keep monitoring his physical condition. Hopefully, he can return to his normal self quickly."
Arif and Roy King are scheduled to leave for Paris on Thursday (Aug 21) with the rest of the team.
The pair, ranked No. 22 in the world, are hoping to impress in the prestigious meet.
Roy King-Arif have been boosted by their maiden World Tour title win in the Macau Open earlier this month.
They will open their campaign in Paris against Japan's world No. 34 Kenya Mitsuhashi-Hiroki Okamura.
A tough test against Thailand's world No. 12 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Kittinupong Kedren awaits in the second round if Roy King-Arif get past the Japanese pair.
Malaysia will also be represented in the men's doubles by world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 3 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
