Seven-time champion Rajiv Ouseph has pulled out of the English National Championships with a groin injury.
Hounslow’s world number 22 has won the title every year since 2008 and was due to face Christopher Evans in the first round on Friday morning.
However, the 28-year-old has been playing through the injury and decided to withdraw from the tournament in Crawley, Sussex, as a precaution, with the European Mixed Team Championships less than two weeks away.
Jakob Hoi, Team GB head coach, said: “It was a really difficult decision for him. He was very much aware of his successive titles and that he would be going for his eighth.
“He has been trying to adapt his training as he really, really wanted to be here in Crawley.
“He had to assess what tournaments he has following these championships with the Europeans coming up soon too. It was a very tough decision for him.”
Ouseph began 2015 by winning the Swedish Masters title and will be part of the England squad to play the European Mixed Team Championships in Belgium between 11 and 15 February.
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