KUALA LUMPUR: National No. 1 Ng Eain Yow has opted to forego participation in the men's World Team Squash Championships in New Zealand next month due to visa-related issues.
The world No. 20 said: "Unfortunately, I will have to skip the world team event due to visa issues related to the United Kingdom."
"I need to renew my visa to continue my business management degree studies and training at Bristol University in England, starting next month.
"Realistically, I can only renew my visa next month without affecting my world ranking."
Eain Yow's commitment to his studies and aspirations in the sport played a role in his decision to skip the world team competition. He is determined to break into the world's top 10 next year.
"I am saddened that I won't be representing Malaysia in the tournament.
"I hope that a young player will be given the opportunity to play in New Zealand in my place," said the reigning Asian champion.
World No. 58 Ivan Yuen is likely to lead the men's team at the World Team Championships, together with national No. 3 Addeen Idrakie and world No. 93 Syafiq Kamal. The fourth spot will go to a promising young player.
This trio were part of the Malaysian squad that won the team bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.Eain Yow also highlighted the noticeable gap between himself and other national players, offering advice to emerging talents to consider being based outside Asia.
"My advice to them is not to fear venturing outside Asia to gain valuable experience," said Eain Yow after his 11-8, 12-10, 11-5 defeat to Egypt's Karim Abdel Gawad in the semi-finals of the Ace Malaysia Squash Cup in Negri Sembilan on Thursday.
"The loss to Karim is a wake-up call for me. I have identified my weaknesses from the defeat and will work on improving my game."
Eain Yow's next assignment is the Singapore Open, which begins on Tuesday.