PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will have no national men's singles players competing at the Japan Masters in Kumamoto next week after Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe withdrew from the tournament.
Their absence leaves independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia as the country's sole representative in the event, starting on Tuesday (Nov 10).
According to the latest update from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Jun Hao withdrew on Monday (Nov 2), while Justin and Eogene had pulled out earlier on Oct 5.
The withdrawals have raised questions amid speculation over a possible reshuffle of the national men's singles squad by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
However, national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen clarified that the decision was part of the players' tournament preparations, with Jun Hao given more time to prepare for the Hong Kong Open from Nov 17-22.
Justin and Eogene, meanwhile, will compete at the Kaohsiung Masters in Taiwan next week as part of their development programme.
"Justin and Eogene are playing Kaohsiung Masters instead as part of their development plan, meanwhile Jun Hao needs another week to prepare and focus on Hong Kong," said Jonassen when contacted.
Justin, the top seed in Kaohsiung, has received a first-round bye, while Eogene will be hoping to bounce back from his qualifying-round exit at this week's Korean Open.
Eogene faces compatriot Ong Zhen Yi in the opening round.
Meanwhile, Zii Jia will carry Malaysia's hopes in Kumamoto, although he must first make it through the qualifying rounds.
The world No. 40 will face Japan's Minoru Koga, an opponent he defeated at the Swiss Open in March.
Having shown signs of rediscovering his form and confidence in recent tournaments, Zii Jia will be hoping to build on that momentum and climb further up the world rankings.
