Lee Zii Jia and Soong Joo Ven became the latest casualties in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Invitational Championships after both shuttlers suffered injuries and had to pull out of the internal meet on Thursday night.
Lee suffered a back muscle injury in the aftermath of his 19-21, 21-11, 27-29 loss to Soong in a battle that lasted 80 minutes.
The world number 10 complained of dizziness after the match and was seen lying down, before he pulled out of his night match against Ng Tze Yong.
BAM coaching director Wong Choong Han however confirmed Lee’s injury was not a serious one.
“He had a lower back muscle pull, and upon advice from our physio, we decided he will not play anymore in this tournament. But thankfully it is not a major injury and is not long term. He should be back soon,” said Wong.
Soong also felt the full brunt of his victory against Lee when he pulled a hamstring against Lim Chong King in his second match of the day.
Their withdrawals meant four shuttlers were forced to pull out of this tournament through injuries.
Goh Soon Huat injured his lower back and had to withdraw from the mixed doubles with Shevon Lai on Wednesday, while Liew Daren pulled out with cramps on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Friday’s action saw Soniia Cheah end the women’s singles division with a perfect record when she beat Lee Ying Ying 21-18, 21-14.
Soniia had earlier beaten Eoon Qi Xuan 19-21, 21-10, 21-17 and K. Letshanaa 21-13, 21-11.
In the men’s doubles, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi beat Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik 21-18, 21-13, while Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong took down Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin 21-16, 27-25.