THE absence of world No 1 Marcus Gideon Fernaldi-Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo at this week's Super 750 Malaysia Open will hardly affect the Malaysian camp.
However, BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky still wants his charges to capitalise on the opportunity presented following several last minute withdrawals in front of the home fans.
The Indonesian badminton legend believes the current doubles playing field is an open affair and is no longer dominated by a select few.
"I don't think the absence of Marcus-Kevin will make much of a difference because there are still strong pairs from India, Denmark, Japan and South Korea.
"Just because a couple of top Indonesian pairs are not here doesn't make our job easier.
"Having said that, I still want our players to make full use of the advantage, to try and shine here at the Malaysia Open," said Rexy at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today.
Earlier, Timesport confirmed that both Marcus-Kevin and reigning Asian champions Pramudya Kusumawardana-Yeremia Rambitan will not compete in the Malaysia Open due to injuries.
Marcus is still struggling to re gain his fitness following a second operation on his ankle, while Yeremia is expected to be side lined for the next few months with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The withdrawals saw several Malaysian pairs promoted into the main draw, including world No 64 Tan Kian Meng-Tan Wee Kiong and world No 85 Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Haikal Nazri.
Meanwhile, Rexy admitted that he was happy to host several foreign players at the Academy Bad minton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara over the past one week, as it added variety to the national training camp.
"It was really good because we got to train with players from the Netherlands and France. It added variety to our daily routine.
"Our players are in good shape. We can see they are ready for the Malaysia Open," added Rexy.
Man Wei Chong, who sustained an injury at the Hanoi Sea Games last month, has been cleared to play in the Malaysia Open.
Rexy, however, pointed out that Wei Chong is still under observation and could be withdrawn from next week's Malaysia Masters and the Singapore Open (July 12-17) if he shows any signs of struggle.
"For now, Wei Chong has been cleared to play. We will monitor him closely because it might be difficult for him to get into full swing so soon.
"The possibility of him playing in next week's Malaysia Masters and Singapore Open will depend on our observation and assessment," Rexy added.
Apart from Wei Chong and his partner Tee Kai Wun, Malaysia will be represented by nine other pairs including Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzud din Rumsani, Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, Arif-Haikal, Nur Azriyn Ayub-Lim Khim Wah, Goh V Shem-Low Juan Shen, Tan Kian Meng-Tan Wee Kiong, Chang Yee Jun-Yap Roy King, and Boon Xin Yuan-Wong Tien Ci.