Full list of players who have withdrawn from Malaysia Masters 2023

Saina Nehwal has joined the list of shuttlers who have pulled out of the tournament.

After the successful completion of the Sudirman Cup 2023, the action now shifts to BWF Tour (Asian Leg) starting with the Malaysia Masters 2023. All the top shuttlers from across the world are set to participate in the tournament which is a part of the Paris Olympic Games 2024 qualification cycle.

Several players have withdrawn from the competition due to several reasons (majority due to injuries and fitness issues). WR 1 from Denmark Viktor Axelson suffered a hamstring injury last week during Denmark vs Malaysia quarter-final tie in Sudirman Cup 2023. He is set to miss several BWF tour events ( at least until the Indonesia Open). His countrymate Anders Antonsen also has withdrawn from the Malaysia Masters 2023.

From the Indian perspective, Saina Nehwal (WS) and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (MD) have withdrawn from the tournament. India’s number two in singles, Saina, has been going through a bad patch and has missed out on four events prior to this (Swiss Open, All England Badminton Championships, Sudirman Cup trials, and Badminton Asia Championships).

Satwik-Chirag, WR 7 men’s doubles pair, had a below-par performance at the Sudirman Cup 2023 (losing two matches consecutively) and has subsequently withdrawn from the event. There seem to be no injury issues but perhaps the pair want to take time and freshen up for the Olympics qualification cycle. 

Nozomi Okuhara and doubles specialists Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino from Japan were the latest entrants in the withdrawal list.

Malaysia Masters 2023 complete withdrawal list

Men’s Singles

Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)

Anders Antonsen (Denmark)

Shesar Hiren Rhustavito (Indonesia)

Zhao Jun Peng (China)

Women’s Singles

Saina Nehwal (India)

Nozomi Okuhara (Japan)

Men’s Doubles

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (India)

Mixed Doubles

Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino (Japan)