Setback: Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen reacts after losing a point against Lee Zii Jia during their men’s singles tie in the Sudirman Cup quarter-finals. Following the Dane’s withdrawal from the Malaysian Masters, all eyes will be on other hopefuls like Kodai Naraoka (inset top) and Anthony Ginting. — AFP/AP
Zii Jia doesn’t see himself as favourite after Axelsen’s pullout
KUALA LUMPUR: Danish world No 1 Viktor Axelsen will not compete at the Malaysian Masters, but Lee Zii Jia doesn’t see himself as the favourite.
Zii Jia, the world No. 8, was unbeaten as Malaysia reached the semi-finals of the Sudirman Cup where they lost to South Korea 3-1 in Suzhou, China last week.
His victories over K. Srikanth of India, Chou Tien-chen of Taiwan and South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok-jin were crucial in guiding Malaysia to the semi-finals but Zii Jia reminded that the Malaysian Masters, which begins at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil today, is a different ball game.
“It (Sudirman Cup) was a good tournament for me but it was last week. It is a new start here and I have to re-focus,” said Zii Jia.
“Viktor has withdrawn but I think it will give everyone a chance in this tournament.”
The Malaysian Masters will be the first individual tournament under the Olympic qualifying period and the competition is expected to be tough.
Looking at his past tournaments at home, Zii Jia’s low profile approach is understandable and the player is more concerned about securing his full-time coach that he will finalise in the next few weeks.
Zii Jia kept his choice close to his heart and refuse to give any hints on his preferred choice as the coach.
Asked whether the person is an active coach, a Malaysian or a foreigner, Zii Jia refused to give away any information until he secures a deal with the incoming coach.
“So far, we are still talking. Hopefully, I can finalise the candidate in a few weeks and will announce the person officially,” said Zii Jia.
“Currently (Liew) Daren is my assistant coach and he has helped me a lot especially during the Sudirman Cup. Daren will continue as the assistant under the new coach. The Olympic qualification has started and I want the new coach to set up a programme and show me the direction during this period.”
Axelsen, who suffered a hamstring injury while the score was at 4-4 in the first game against Zii Jia in the Sudirman Cup quarter-final which Malaysia won 3-1, also missed the tournament last year after winning three competitions in a row.
The Dane withdrew last year due to exhaustion after winning the Indonesia Open and Masters as well as the Malaysian Open in three consecutive weeks.
His absence saw Chico Aura of Indonesia clinching the title and it is expected to be an open affair again this week.
China’s All-England champion Li Shifeng, Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting and Jonatan Christie and Japanese shuttlers Kodai Naraoka, Kenta Nishimoto and Kanta Tsuneyama are the other potential shuttlers who will be out to take advantage of Axelsen’s absence.
