Zii Jia expected to miss Malaysia Masters as Axelsen confirms withdrawal

Lee posted a video of him back at his home in Alor Setar, and also reportedly informed his sponsors he would not be participating in the second event to be held at the Axiata Arena this week.

If the Malaysian does not feature, his next assignment would come at the World Championships in late August after he also withdrew from the Singapore Open and the Commonwealth Games.

Meanwhile, Axelsen confirmed his withdrawal on Monday.

"When I woke up this morning, my body and my head was telling me that it's time to rest and recharge before I step on the court again," he said.

Without Lee and Axelsen, defending champion Kento Momota would be the biggest name to contest the men’s singles.

The Japanese, who was comprehensively beaten by Axelsen in the final, confirmed his participation on Sunday after the defeat.

Meanwhile for the Malaysian contingent the strongest prospects of going the distance should come in the men’s doubles in Lee's absence.

All eyes would be on Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin after their abysmal semi-final losses, which saw national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky criticise the two pairs.