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KUALA LUMPUR – National professional singles player Liew Daren has withdrawn from the second round of the 2023 Malaysia Open today due to an injury to his right calf.
The pull-out saw defending champion and world number one Viktor Axelsen of Denmark receiving a walkover to advance to the quarter-finals tomorrow.
Axelsen, who received an extra day of rest, will next meet Kenta Nishimoto of Japan, who eliminated fifth-seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 21-15, 21-17 today.
Daren, 35, on Tuesday had indicated withdrawing from the tournament if the injury he sustained a month ago did not recover before today.
The 2018 World Championships bronze medallist opened his campaign with a 21-15, 14-21, 21-17 win over Toma Junior Popov of France while Axelsen subdued compatriot Rasmus Gemke 17-21, 21-14, 21-12 on Tuesday. – Bernama, January 12, 2023