‘Focus, even without Indonesia’

of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann wants the national shuttlers to remain focused, despite the absence of Indonesia from the World Championships in Huelva, Spain, next week.

Yesterday, the Indonesia BA (PBSI) announced their withdrawal from the world meet, a day after Timesport broke the news, due to concerns over the Omicron Covid-19 outbreak in Europe.

Choong Hann, who left for Spain last night with women's singles shuttler S. Kisona, admitted that the competition will be affected by Indonesia's withdrawal but does not want Malaysian players underestimating the rest of the field.

“There will be some impact for sure,” Choong Hann said.

“However, it is more important for our players to stay focused for the world meet.

“There are still many other worthy opponents in the world meet.”

Indonesia's withdrawal from the World Championships comes as a huge blow as the event will lose its glitter in the absence of several top players, including world No 1 men’s doubles Marcus Fernaldi Gideon-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Muhammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan (No 2), and Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto (No 8).

The Badminton World Federation, in a statement yesterday, expressed their disappointment with PBSI.

“We are disappointed as they had done so after the draw.” said the BWF.

Last year, Indonesia dropped a bombshell when they withdrew from the Thomas/Uber Cup Finals in Denmark, also due to Covid-19.

As a result, the team competitions were postponed to October this year, and Indonesia took part and won the Thomas Cup for the first time in 19 years.

BWF also confirmed that world No 2 Kento Momota of Japan will not be defending his title this year after pulling out of the competition due to an injury.

Last week, Momota retired from the BWF World Tour Finals in Bali with a back issue.