Jakarta: World No. 1 men’s doubles pair Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon may pull out of the 2019 Malaysia Masters that will be held at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur from January 15 to Jan 20 due to Marcus Fernaldi Gideon still recovering from his neck injury.
According to Indonesia’s men’s doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, even though Marcus Fernaldi Gideon had started training, but has not fully recovered from his neck injury he picked up at the 2018 World Tour Finals in Guangzhou end of last year.
“They have started training, but we are paying close attention to his injury and will reassess his condition next week,” said Pierngadi on Thursday (1/3).
As for the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), Pierngadi said the organization has been taking this seriously. If Gideon’s condition still not improving, the pair would have to skip the Malaysia Masters.
“We cannot decide whether he can play or not at the 2019 Malaysia Masters. We will need to look at his recovery status next week,” added Pierngadi.
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon suffered the neck injury at the 2018 World Tour Finals first group match against Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in which the Indonesian pair won 20-22, 21-17, 21-13. Gideon was seen holding his neck several time in the middle of the match.
Gideon admitted he was troubled by his neck injury after they were defeated by Chinese pair Li Junhui/Liu Yuchen 18-21, 22-24 in the second group match before handed Han Chengkai/Zhou Haodong a walkover in their last group match.
