Addeen can’t shoulder weight of title defence at National C’ships

Tough luck: Addeen Idrakie’s (left) shoulder injury has sidelined him from competing at the National Championships from Aug 13-17.

PETALING JAYA: There won’t be a title defence attempt from Addeen Idrakie at the National Championships next week as the national squash player will be absent due to injury.

A shoulder injury has sidelined the 31-year-old Addeen from competing in Penang from Aug 13-17, adding to his time away from the court after having already spent six months off it earlier this year.

“I won’t be playing next week,” said Addeen.

“The doctors at the National Sports Institute and my physio have advised me not to compete and instead focus on healing and strengthening my shoulder muscles.”

Addeen had notched back-to-back overseas wins at the Morrinsville Open in New Zealand and Victorian Open in Australia last month.

But Addeen had hurt his shoulder in New Zealand after a knock with Japan’s Naoki Hayashi, causing a tear in his right shoulder tendon.

On top of that, Addeen has been under the weather, and is taking things slow as his recovery is the priority at the moment.

“For now, I can’t do much because I am unwell after catching something from my son.

“But hopefully I will be discharged soon and can continue my physiotherapy and rehabilitation coming up,” he said.

There will also be two lesser names in the women’s category as Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi and Yee Xin Ying have also withdrawn due to injuries.

Ainaa had sustained a knee injury during the SEA Cup in Bangkok last month, while Xin Ying is nursing an ankle injury and won’t compete in Penang.

Sanjay Jeeva will be the top seed in the men’s category, as national No. 1 Ng Eain Yow won’t be competing.

Two-time women’s champion and world No. 27 Aira Azman is the top seed with the absence of world No. 8 S. Sivasangari and world No. 19 Rachel Arnold, and will be hoping to get her third title in Penang.