Youngster Zii Jia stuns top seed Tanongsak in Thailand

PETALING JAYA: Young shuttler Lee Zii Jia (pic) has given Malaysia’s men’s singles back-up department a timely boost.

The world junior bronze medallists pulled off the biggest win in his budding career when he dumped top seed and world No. 11 Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the second-tier Thailand Masters at the Nimibutur Stadium in Bangkok yesterday.

The unseeded Zii Jia toiled for 38 minutes to beat the Thai No. 1 21-18, 21-12 to storm into his first semi-finals in a Grand Prix Gold tournament.

On Thursday, he had dumped ninth seed Ihsan Maulana Mostafa of Indonesia 21-19, 21-14 in the second round.

The world No. 230, who trains under coach Indra Wijaya, will take on unseeded Kanthapon Wangcharoen of Thailand for a place in the final.

“I didn’t expect to come this far ... it’s the biggest achievement in my career”, said Zii Jia, who will turn 19 next month.

“Beating Ihsan on Thursday gave me lots of confidence.

“Today, I wasn’t intimidated by my opponent’s world ranking. I just focused on giving my best.

“It’s still too early to celebrate. I’ve a long way to go. I hope to keep giving my best in every match ... there are still many things for me to learn,” added Zii Jia, who promised to work on his stamina, skills and strength.

Zii Jia is the only Malaysian left standing after Chooi Kah Ming-Low Juan Shen (men’s doubles) and Soniia Cheah (women’s singles) lost higher-ranked Thai opponents in the quarter-finals yesterday.

Eighth seeds Kah Ming-Juan Shen went down 18-21, 17-21 to third seeds Kittinupong Kedren-Dechapol Puavaranukroh while Soniia lost 7-21, 18-21 to top seed Busanan Ongbamrungphan.