KUALA LUMPUR: Ng Tze Yong's slim hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics have now dwindled even further.
The 23-year-old has been withdrawn from the Spain Masters in Madrid next week due to the lingering effects of a back injury sustained during the Asia Team Championships five weeks ago.
He underwent minor surgery to address a spinal disc issue, forcing him to miss several World Tour events in Europe, including the French Open and All England.
In Tze Yong's absence, India's Lakhsya Sen surged ahead, securing a spot in the top 16 of the Race to Paris standings, pushing Tze Yong down to 17th.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky, when contacted, confirmed that Tze Yong will not travel to Madrid.
"We have withdrawn him from the tournament. Hopefully, he will be ready for the Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) next month," said Rexy.
Although Tze Yong had hoped to make a comeback at the Spain Masters to salvage his chances, he will now have to wait until the BAC in Ningbo, China next month.
Fortunately, the BAC, rated equivalent to a Super 1000 event on the World Tour, offers substantial points.
Tze Yong has a slim mathematical chance to reclaim his top 16 spot, but he must reach at least the semi-finals to do so.
Barring a miraculous last-minute turnaround, Lee Zii Jia, currently ranked 10th, will likely be the sole Malaysian representative in the men's singles event at the Paris Olympics.
The qualification rules allow a nation to field two players in the singles event, provided both are in the top 16 of the Race to Paris standings.