KUALA LUMPUR: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang is forced to withdraw from his individual sprint bronze medal match at the Adelaide leg of the UCI Nations Cup today after suffering symptoms of pericarditis.
He was due to face-off with Australian Matthew Glaetzer for the bronze, but did not take to the track for the first race.
The 36-year-old said he was advised not to race after being examined by a doctor.
"I regret to announce that I had to withdraw from the Sprint Bronze Medal race due to experiencing symptoms of pericarditis after the semi-finals," said Azizulhasni on his social media accounts.
"I consulted the doctor and was advised to withdraw from the race as a precaution to avoid overstraining my heart.
"Despite the challenges, it was a productive day after the keirin race yesterday and I gave my best in the sprint today.
"I am grateful for everyone's support and concern, and I apologise for not being able to complete the race.
"Now, my focus is on recovery and I will resume training as soon as I am fit again. Thank you all for your understanding and encouragement."
Azizulhasni had earlier beaten Colombian Christian Ortega in the second round and Great Britain's Jack Carlin in the quarter-finals before going down to Aussie Matthew Richardson in the semi-finals.
He qualified fourth at the start of the day after clocking a respectable 9.656 seconds. Teammate Shah Firdaus Sahrom missed the cut for the first round after placing 32nd in the qualifiers on 10.150s.
Despite suffering from pericarditis for the past few weeks, Azizulhasni was still able to win the men's keirin yesterday.
Pericarditis refers to swelling and inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp pain or put pressure on the chest, among other symptoms.
It is not a serious condition although can sometimes lead to serious issues.
Azizulhasni had undergone open heart surgery last year to correct a coronary artery anomaly, which he suffered since birth.
Meanwhile, the women's keirin event saw both Malaysian riders Anis Amira Rosidi and Izzah Izzati Asri both failing to make it past the first round repechage.