Iskandar set to miss out

BA of Malaysia (BAM) are expected to withdraw shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin from the Malaysia Open tomorrow.

The 26-year-old National No 2, despite returning to court training this week, is still suffering from a nagging back injury.

National singles coach Hendrawan, when contacted yesterday said: “We will decide by Friday on whether to withdraw Iskandar from the Malaysia Open (Apr 49) as he is still struggling with his back.

“He has been undergoing rehabilitation since injuring himself and only returned to court training this week.

“The coaches and the physiotherapist are observing his condition but we will decide soon.”

Iskandar, currently ranked World No 30, last played at the Macau Open last December.

Meanwhile, another injured shuttler Lim Yin Loo is optimistic of recovering in time for the Super Series Premier event in Kuching.

Yin Loo, 29, was placed under a twoweek recovery programme after aggravating a shoulder injury at the National Championships in Ulu Kinta last month.

“I’m optimistic that I will recover in time for the Malaysia Open. I really want to play there with my current partner (Yap Cheng Wen),” said Yin Loo, who made her international debut as an 18-year-old at the Malaysia Open in Kuching 11 years ago.

“My partner then was Haw Chiew Hwee, and we made it to the last 16 before losing to then World No 1 and Olympic champions Gao Ling-Huang Sui of China.”

Since being paired mid last year, Yin Loo-Cheng Wen have risen to No 26 in the world with two titles (Indonesia International and Scottish Open) to their names.