Ma Long will not be competing at the 2018 World Tour Grand Finals due to injury.
The Chinese star, who has won the end-of-year showpiece event a record five times, was set to participate next week as 3rd seed.
The 30-year-old had already withdrawn early from last month’s ITTF World Tour Swedish and Austrian Opens, but has been playing in the Chinese Super League in recent weeks.
In Ma Long’s absence, Yuya Oshima has been invited to take his place. The Japanese player finished 17th in the ITTF World Tour standings and therefore is first reserve for the World Tour Grand Finals, which take place between 13-16 December.
More to follow.
