Recharged and Ready: Loh Kean Yew Returns to Action After Illness

After recovering from a week-long illness, Loh Kean Yew is returning to badminton action. The 2021 world champion from Singapore had to withdraw from the India Open along with six other singles players due to health issues. Loh aims to make a comeback at the BWF Indonesia Masters 2024, a Super 500 World Tour event taking place from January 23 to 28 in Jakarta.

Despite uncertainties about his full fitness, Loh has been seen practicing at the Istora in Jakarta as shown in videos posted on social media. He is set to face India’s H.S. Prannoy in the opening round of the tournament. Currently ranked outside the top 10 globally, Loh is determined to perform well in the Indonesia Masters to earn essential ranking points, potentially allowing him to re-enter the top 8 and secure seeding in future events including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

If Loh progresses, potential opponents in the second round include Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China or Japan’s Tsuneyama Kanta. Additionally, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, the third seed and a local favorite poses as another formidable contender in his quarter of the draw.