Singles shuttlers step up in Zii Jia’s absence

Impressive form: Ng Tze Yong in action against Yeoh Seng Zoe in the qualifying round. — GLENN GUAN/The Star

FANS who were disappointed with Zii Jia’s absence from the Malaysian Masters ended up with huge smiles when the other men’s singles shuttlers stepped up and advanced to the main draw yesterday.

Leong Jun Hao, ranked 130th in the world, was the pick of the bunch when he stunned China’s 50th ranked Weng Hongyang 5-21, 21-17, 21-13 in the second qualifying round in 65 minutes.