Defending Masters champ Chico remains cautious despite Axelsen’s exit

KUALA LUMPUR – Defending champion Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo remains cautious despite top seed shuttler Viktor Axelsen skipping the Malaysia Masters. 

The Indonesian player believes that the competition still remains tough with the presence of other world-class players. 

Speaking to media at the test court session in Axiata Arena, Chico said he is well aware the playing field still holds many tough opponents, including world number two and compatriot Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, and national badminton ace Lee Zii Jia. 

“Even though he (Axelsen) is not here, the other players competing in the Masters are still tough matchups. 

“It comes down to our preparation and tactics that can be used on court. Every match is a 50% chance to win or lose and it depends on our strategy,” he said. 

The Malaysia Masters, which will begin tomorrow, will not see Axelsen in action as he is forced to sit out the Super 500 tournament due to a left hamstring injury that he suffered during the clash against Zii Jia in the Sudirman Cup quarterfinals last Friday. 

Axelsen also skipped the 2022 Malaysia Masters after winning the Malaysian Open just days before, noting that he needed to rest before taking to the court again.

World number eight Zii Jia also skipped last year’s Masters after suffering a second round exit at the Malaysian Open the week before, stating that his absence was due to not being in the best condition, but he will be competing this time around from May 23 to 28.

This year, 18th seed Chico will kick off his Masters campaign against 26th ranked Lin Chun-yi from Chinese Taipei, who won the 2023 Thailand Masters earlier this year. 

“The match will be a tough one because our head-to-head is even at one win each. He is a good player, so I am going to have to prepare my playstyle more tomorrow. 

“Even though the first round match will be difficult, I will just remain relaxed and not pressure myself. We will settle it on the court,” he said. 

It has been a while since the pair met as their last encounter was in 2019 when Chico won the Macau Open’s second round, after Lin won the China Masters’ opening round earlier in the year. 

Chico also noted that many of the shuttlers will be gunning for a good result as the Masters is part of the Olympic qualification. 

Recently, Badminton Association of Malaysia president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria said Malaysian shuttlers should take the opportunity to do well in the tournament to kick start their points collection. – The Vibes, May 22, 2023.