Kuala Lumpur: Lee Zii Jia, Malaysia’s World No. 10 men’s singles player, secured a spot in the second round of the 2023 Malaysia Masters on Wednesday.
While all other Malaysian shuttlers faced defeat at the hands of their opponents, Lee showcased his exceptional skills by progressing to the top 16. Lee secured victory against World No. 12 Lu Guangzu of China, winning 21-12, 21-19 in a thrilling match held at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Highlights of Lee Zii Jia vs. Lu Guangzu in the 2023 Malaysia Masters first round:
Despite trailing 11-18 in the second set, Lee displayed great resilience and took advantage of every opportunity to score points. This coming from behind win gave Lee huge confidence in his upcoming matches, and he hoped that this momentum would carry him throughout the tournament.
The former Asian champion is set to face Taiwanese player Li Chun Yi on Thursday competing for a ticket to the quarter-finals.
In contrast, all other Malaysian shuttlers including four mixed doubles pairs, Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Jemie Lai, Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei, Tan Kian Meng/Lai Pei Jing, and Chan Peng Soon/Cheah Yee See, along with men’s doubles pair Tan Wee Kiong/Kian Meng, were all eliminated in the first round, losing their respective matches.
Similarly, Malaysian men’s singles player Ng Tze Yong and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei shared the same fate, ending their journey in the competition on Wednesday.
Accompanying Lee Zii Jia in the second round will be four other Malaysian pairs: men’s doubles Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Teo Ee Yi/Ong Yew Sin, and Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun; women doubles pair Pearly Tan/M Thinaah. They secured their tickets to the next round in their matches held on Monday.
