KUALA LUMPUR: An injury to national champion Ivan Yuen comes as a significant blow to Malaysia's prospects at the Men's World Team Championship in Marseille next week.
Malaysia finished eighth in 2013, the last time the event was held following the cancellation of the 2015 edition in Cairo over security fears.
But Malaysia had the services of Azlan Iskandar and Ong Beng Hee four years ago in Mulhouse, France and can now only boast of Nafiizwan Adnan as the sole player ranked in the world's top-50 in Ivan's absence.
Malaysia have been drawn with India and Austria in Pool H and the team's hopes of advancing to the knockout stage rests on beating the Austrians.
The Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) named World No 110 Addeen Idrakie Bahtiar as Ivan's replacement in joining 31st-ranked Nafiizwan, Ng Eain Yow (No 65) and Syafiq Kamal (No 94) in the four-man team.
"Ivan felt pain in his chest and we have decided to pull him out of the team," said SRAM director of coaching Mej (rtd) S. Maniam on Tuesday.
"Obviously, our team are considerably weakened without Ivan because Eain Yow has to step up to No 2 and either Syafiq or Addeen need to play at No 3."
While Malaysia should still beat Austria to seal a last-16 berth, Maniam rates India as favourites to top Pool H.
"With Ivan in the team it would have been 50-50 against India but now the advantage is in their favour," said Maniam.
"They have greater strength in depth with their No 3 Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu at Ivan's level."
India are led by Asia's top player and World No 21 Saurav Ghosal in addition to Vikram Malhotra (No 61), Harinder and Mahesh Mangaonkar (both No 69).
Ivan's withdrawal means the pressure increases on Nafiizwan and 19-year-old Eain Yow, who won the Australian Open last week for his third career PSA Tour title.
"Eain Yow continues to show hunger and determination in wanting to improve his game and that is the hallmark of a successful future player," added Maniam.