Kuala Lumpur, May 10: A freak accident has knocked out Japan's Asian Games gold medallist Kanako Yonekura from participating in the Uber Cup tournament which begins tomorrow at Stadium Putra.

Japan's coach Xu Biao said Kanako fell off a bicycle a day before the team was scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur.

"She injured her nose as she fell flat on the road. We decided not to bring her on the advice of the doctor. It's a pity that this had to happen at a crucial time," he said.

However, Xu Biao said, though Japan will be considerably weakened, they are still hoping to achieve the semifinal target.

Japan are grouped with host Malaysia, Indonesia and Denmark.

"We still have a fight in our hands. Kanako was scheduled to be slotted for the second singles, with Yazuko Mizui as the first singles player."

"But it looks like we have to elevate the lower ranked Takako Ida to play the second singles while for the third singles, it is a toss between Miho Tanaka and Chikako Nakayama," said Xu Biao.

He said Japan have won the Uber Cup five times and are hoping to achieve a good result here.

"We are still strong and Kanako's absence should not be seen as a bonus to Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia," Xu Biao warned.

Xu Biao said apart from host Malaysia, there is even chance for Denmark, Indonesia and Japan to advance to the semifinal.

"I would predict that there is a better chance for us to beat Indonesia than Denmark. The way I see it we can take Indonesia on in the singles department, though our doubles pairs are capable of earning us a point," Xu Biao said.