Birmingham: Malaysia’s World No. 4 Lee Zii Jia successfully cleared the first hurdle at 2023 All England in Birmingham on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old had no trouble in eliminating the 2021 Hanoi SEA Games gold medalist Sitthikom Thammasin of Thailand 21-12, 21-15 in a 33-minute showdown at the Birmingham Arena.
Lee who has yet to win any titles since winning the Thailand Open in May last year will meet Kenta Nishimoto from Japan in the second round tomorrow.
However, the 2019 All England champion – Kento Momota suffered a first-round exit when he couldn’t finish the game when leading 20-18 in the first game against Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. Vitidsarn eventually recorded his first career win over Momota in their third meeting 23-21, 21-15.
It’s worth noting that Vitidsarn who has been known for strong defense but weak in attacking, has added powerful smashes to his playing style as his new weapon for scoring points. Vitidsarn will play Shi Yuqi of China next.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Daren Liew, and Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai were all halted in the All-England first round respectively. Chia/Soh lost to Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin of Indonesia 18-21, 21-14, 13-21, Goh/Lai went down to Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung of Korea 10-21, 14-21, while Liew was defeated by Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo of Indonesia 9-21, 16-21.
In women’s singles, India’s PV Sindhu lost to Zhang Yi Man of China in straight games 17-21, 11-21 in 39 minutes.
