Zii Jia primed for Thomas Cup duty after nailing first Asian title

Joyous moment: Lee Zii Jia hugging coach Indra Wijaya after beating Jonatan Christie. — AP

PETALING JAYA: National No. 1 Lee Zii Jia has proven beyond doubt that he is more than ready to shoulder the responsibility as the first singles in the Thomas Cup Finals in Bangkok from May 8-15.

World No. 7 Zii Jia was in his element when he knocked out Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie 21-17, 23-21 in a 45-minute final in Manila yesterday to emerge as the Asian champion for the first time.