KUALA LUMPUR: World No 5 Lee Zii Jia has decided to skip next month's Birmingham Commonwealth Games to focus on the World Championships in Tokyo on Aug 21-28.
His decision may now affect Malaysia's chances of achieving their seven-gold target at the Games, scheduled on July 28-Aug 8.
"I have decided not to play in the Commonwealth Games, and it is a tough decision, which I made after speaking to my team.
"I have been playing non-stop and need to take care of my body condition.
"I want to be in my best condition for the world meet," said Zii Jia today.
For the record, Malaysia have yet to produce a world champion in the sport.
Zii Jia, however, confirmed that he will play in next week's Malaysia Open.