Bao Chunlai, world number four, will skip next week's China Badminton Masters due to uncovered ankle injury.

The decision was announced Tuesday by Li Yongbo, head coach of the national team.

Li said, Bao is still rehabilitating his injured ankle to prepare himself for the Thomas Cup in April. Therefore, he would give up the Masters to be held in southwest Chendu next week.

Bao hurt his ankle during the German Open earlier this year.

(CRI English March 1, 2006)