KUALA LUMPUR: National No 2 Ivan Yuen has withdrawn from the Asian Team Squash Championships in Cheongju, South Korea, from Oct 31 to Nov 4 due to a knee injury.
Ivan, who helped Malaysia win the team title in Kuala Lumpur last year, will be replaced by Malaysia Games champion Ong Sai Hung, who will make his debut in the Asian team event.
The men's team will be led by national No 1 and world No 26 Ng Eain Yow. The other members are Addeen Idrakie and Syafiq Kamal.
Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam said: "Without Ivan, we will be hard pressed to retain the title we won last year.
"We aim to reach the semis. India are looking like favourites with Hong Kong and Pakistan as threats."
Last year, Malaysia edged India 2-1 in the final with Ivan delivering the winning point.
World No 26 Aifa Azman will lead the women's team, who will also be defending their title.
The other members are Rachel Arnold, Chan Yiwen and Yee Xin Ying, who will be making her debut.
Maniam said Aifa had recovered from her thumb injury and was ready for her first United States Open in Philadelphia from Oct 8 to 15.
Aifa will open her campaign against Julianne Courtice of England while teammate Rachel will face England's Grace Gear.