The 32-year-old Liu Ying cited the age factor, fitness and the increase in Covid-19 cases worldwide as the main reasons for throwing in the towel.

“After weighing the pros and cons, we decided to withdraw from the competition. I know the World Championships means a lot to every shuttler.

“I’m really sorry for not being able to fight again. I really can’t hold on this time,” she said in a Facebook post today.

Liu Ying thanked sponsors for all their support in making sure that they were still able to compete in the previous competition.

The Rio 2016 silver medallists had been given a ‘bye’ in the first round of the world meet, which will be held in Palacio de los Deportes Carolina Marín from Sunday until Dec 19.

The withdrawal of the professional duo means that the BWF World Tour Finals was their last tournament for this year.

The world No 9 pair lost to Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Sapsiree Taerattanachai 21-8, 21-18 in the semifinals.