Badminton world No. 1 men's singles player Chen Long of China has withdrawn from the ongoing  BCA Indonesia Open in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Chen, 27, was scheduled to play the 31-year-old world No. 36 Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia in their opening round match. With Chen's departure from the US$900,000.00 badminton event, Kuncoro automatically advances to the second without a sweat.

Like Us on Facebook

"Chen Long, who was set to play on Wednesday, provided a walkover due to waist injury," the tournament organizer PBSI announced via Twitter.

According to Badminton Planet, the unexpected withdrawal of the 2012 Summer Olympic bronze medalist from the tourney is interesting. China's back-to-back Olympic gold medal winner Lin Dan also pulled out from his men's singles semifinal round match at the 2012 Asian Championships in Qingdao, China citing a recurring waist injury.

The five-time world champion's withdrawal then sent compatriot Chen Jin, who was the third-seeded player that time, straight to the final round where he beat fellow Chinese Du Pengyu 21-12, 21-18 to claim the title.  The Asian Championships title allowed Chen Jin to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics in the last minute.

Along with Chen, men's doubles Kim Gi Jun and Kim Sa Rang of South Korea have also withdrawn from the tournament, allowing the Malaysia's Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong to advance to the second round.

Among the BWF-sanctioned badminton events, Indonesia Open 2016 offers the largest prize money - USD $900,000. The tournament runs from May 30 to June 5.

TagsChen Long, bwf 2016, bwf rankings, Lin Dan, bca indonesia open