KUALA LUMPUR: Fans can't help but feel sorry for shuttler Ng Tze Yong, who will undergo minor surgery this week to treat a spinal disc injury.
After working so hard to break into the top 20 last year, Tze Yong's dream of making his debut at the Paris Olympics in July now faces uncertainty.
On Saturday, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed that the 24-year-old men's singles player will not compete at the French Open and All England next month.
If anything, Tze Yong will need a miracle to remain in the Race to Paris top 16 when the one-year Olympic qualifying period ends in April.
"Focus on your recovery, Tze Yong. There is nothing better than playing without injuries.
"Thank you for putting yourself first. I'll wait to see you back on court in good condition," said one fan on X.
"Health is your utmost priority now. Once you have fully recovered, then you can make a comeback.
"If you miss out on Paris, the Los Angeles Games is still there for you.
"Hope the surgery goes well. Speedy recovery, Tze Yong," added another user on the same social media platform.
It is important to note that a country can have a maximum of two singles players at the Olympics if they are in the RTP top 16 standings at the end of the qualifying window.
Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia will likely be Malaysia's sole representative in the men's singles event. Tze Yong is expected to drop out of the top 16 after the French Open and All England.
Malaysia last had two men's singles players at the Olympics in 2008 (Beijing) when both Lee Chong Wei and Wong Choong Hann made the cut.