KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed doubles specialist Toh Ee Wei is taking a cautious approach in training following a freak accident at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) gymnasium late last month.
Ee Wei, who forms the world No. 9 pair with Chen Tang Jie, resumed training last Tuesday after a five-day break to recover from her injuries.
The 24-year-old required 16 stitches after sustaining cuts from broken glass during a workout at the ABM gym.
She slipped while holding a dumbbell, resulting in a deep gash on her left hand and a grade 2 muscle tear in her back.
Although mostly healed, the injuries have halted her and Tang Jie's tournament schedule.
The pair skipped this week's Arctic Open in Finland and will also miss next week's Denmark Open, which may jeopardise their chances of qualifying for the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou in December.
Only the top eight pairs qualify for the Finals, and Ee Wei-Tang Jie are currently ranked second.
"I've started training again, though there's still some pain, but overall, I'm okay. The bandage around my hand has been removed, and it's healing well.
"However, I'm taking a cautious approach to avoid another fall," Ee Wei told reporters at ABM in Bukit Kiara today.
On future tournaments, Ee Wei said their coach, Nova Widianto, will decide on their next steps.
"This is the first time I've experienced something like this. At the moment, we don't have any concrete plans for upcoming tournaments.
"We'll assess the situation over the next two weeks before deciding which competitions to enter."
Tang Jie-Ee Wei may return to action at the Japan Masters and China Masters next month.
Compatriots Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai and Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing could also qualify for the World Tour Finals.
Soon Huat-Shevon are ranked third, two spots above Kian Meng-Pei Jing.