Only two Malaysian men’s singles representatives were included in the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) phase 1 qualification list released today – Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh.

Their qualification was based on their world rankings as of April 27, with Leong ranked 25th and Justin 44th.

Lee was ranked 82nd at the time, leaving him outside the qualification cutoff, reported Berita Harian.

The former All England champion is also unlikely to benefit from any late withdrawals as replacement slots are expected to go to higher-ranked players such as Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin or Eogene Ewe.

While his ranking has since risen to 65th, it was too late to affect his bid to qualify for the World Championships.

Malaysia made history at last year’s World Championships in Paris when Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei won the mixed doubles title, while Pearly Tan and M Thinaah secured the women’s doubles silver medal.

Malaysia is expected to send 11 representatives to New Delhi, down from 13 in the previous edition in the French capital.