The top seeds in the men’s doubles have become the latest players to withdraw from the World Badminton Championships in India on security grounds.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed Austrians Jurgen Koch and Peter Zauner have already flown home.
"They left Hyderabad in the early hours of Tuesday stating they did not feel secure," said a BWF statement.
The event has been beset by problems since the English team pulled out, citing a "specific terrorist threat".
Teams from Wales and Scotland are taking part in the Hyderabad tournament, however, with members of the Scottish team saying they are "virtual prisoners" in their hotel because of the heightened levels of security.
The Austrian pair sought advice from their embassy and ministry of foreign affairs before deciding to leave.
There are also suggestions the pair were concerned about rising levels of swine flu in the country, but another Austrian player and a coach have decided to stay.
Security has been tightened across India ahead of Saturday’s Independence Day celebrations.
