The No. 9 said that after undergoing a previously undisclosed arthroscopic procedure on her right rotator cuff in October, her training time in Los Angeles has not been enough for her to be ready to play on January 7 in Asia.
"It's with much disappointment that I have to withdraw from Hong Kong. I've been using this event for the last five years to get match fit and ready for the new season, in fact Hong Kong has been successful in preparing me for the Australian Open," she said.
It will be only her second absence since 2004 at the event at Victoria Park, this year entitled the JB Group Classic, and also featuring Jelena Jankovic and Wimbledon winner Venus Williams. Sharapova was replaced by fellow Russian Anna Chakvetadze.
"I'm just not ready to play against the top class competition in Hong Kong, although I remain hopeful for Australia where I'm the defending champion. "It's been a very difficult decision, but I only started practicing 16 days ago."
Sharapova missed the Beijing Olympics and US Open, and played only two matches after Wimbledon last season.
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