Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have suffered another setback in their World Tour Finals qualification campaign after withdrawing from the Korea Open due to Wooi Yik’s right heel injury.
The world No. 4 pair were forced to retire from their French Open quarter-final against compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun two weeks ago after Wooi Yik picked up the injury.
They subsequently skipped last week’s Hylo Open in Germany, with their withdrawal from the Korea Open marking their second consecutive tournament absence.
The latest setback could affect their chances of securing a place at the season-ending World Tour Finals, which will take place in Hangzhou, China, in December. Aaron-Wooi Yik are currently sixth in the men’s doubles qualification race, with only the top eight pairs earning a place in the competition.
Despite missing the Korea Open, the pair remain listed for the upcoming Kumamoto Masters from Nov 10 to 15 and the Hong Kong Open from Nov 17 to 22. Both tournaments could prove important as they look to collect enough ranking points to secure qualification.
Aaron had previously described Wooi Yik’s injury as not serious and said his partner was recovering well, expressing confidence that they would compete in the November tournaments.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has yet to comment on the latest withdrawal.
With two more tournaments remaining on their schedule, Aaron-Wooi Yik will be hoping Wooi Yik makes a full recovery in time to resume their push for a place among the world's top eight pairs in the season-ending event.
