Lee Zii Jia makes it to second round of Malaysian Open

Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in action against China’s Lu Guangzu in the first round of Malaysian Masters at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia was the last man standing for Malaysia in the men's singles as he made it to the second round of the Malaysian Masters at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday (May 24) night.

The world No. 10 Zii Jia was calm and composed as he overcame world No. 12 Lu Guangzu of China 21-12, 21-19 in 45 minutes.

Guangzu looked on course to force the deciding game while leading 18-11 in the second but Zii Jia, spurred on by fans, fought back to end the contest in straight games.

Zii Jia will play Taiwan's Lin Chun-yi, who defeated defending champion Chico Aura of Indonesia 13-21, 21-16, 21-8, in the second round on Thursday.

Meanwhile, another Malaysian Ng Tze Yong crashed out in the first round after losing 21-17, 16-21, 13-21 to Kenta Nishimoto of Japan.