Our youngsters on fire in baptism of fire

IT was a baptism of fire for three players – Lee Zii Jia, Aaron Chia and Teo Ee Yi – at the Thomas Cup Finals.

All three were fielded in the tie against Russia and they came through it with a good measure of success and also gained the needed confidence.

Malaysia defeated Russia 5-0 in their Group D opening tie to seal a ticket for the quarter-finals – with Zii Jia winning the second singles and scratch pair Aaron-Ee Yi delivering a point in the second doubles.

The other winners yesterday were Lee Chong Wei, Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong and Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.

Unlike his previous stint when he froze in his debut at last year’s Kuala Lumpur SEA Games team event, the 20-year-old Zii Jia was on fire yesterday.

“I’m quite satisfied with my game in my first Thomas Cup match,” said Zii Jia.

Cool: Malaysia’s Iskandar Zulkarnain in action against Rodion Alimov of Russia in a Group D Thomas Cup match yesterday. Iskandar won 21-9, 21-12.

“I’ve not played in tournaments for some time as I stayed back to work on my game and it took some time to adjust but I ended well.”

“I let nerves get to me at the KL Games but I’ve been handling myself well in team events since the Thomas Cup qualifying round (in February). Today, I proved again that I can handle it.”

Zii Jia will face either Anders Antonsen or Hans-Kristian Vitting­hus in the tie against Denmark tomorrow.

“It’ll be the same whether I face Anders or Vittinghus ... I just have to play my best and without pressure.”

Ee Yi and Aaron said there was no pressure on them as Malaysia were leading 3-0 when they went on to the court.

“There was no pressure but we played well. Our combination is getting better although we’ve not played before,” said Ee Yi, who was a reserve and did not get to play a single match at the last Finals in Kunshan, China, two years ago.

“It’s exciting to finally play in the Finals and win a point. It’ll get tougher from here.”

Said Aaron: “Teo is more experienced and led me in the game. It’s exciting to be in the Finals too. I’ll be ready for the next duty.”

Today when Malaysia play against Algeria, Ee Yi is expected to play with Mohd Arif Abdul Latif while Aaron may get to team up with his regular partner Soh Wooi Yik in the second doubles.