Zii Jia stuns world champ Kunlavut to reach Asiad quarters

Lim Teck Huat

PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia shocked world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand to storm into the men’s singles quarter-finals at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Wednesday (Oct 4).

Zii Jia came from a game down to overcome Kunlavut 10-21, 21-19, 21-6 in the third round at the Binjiang Gymnasium.

Kunlavut was one of the gold medal contenders at the Asiad after claiming the world title in Copenhagen in August.

In the mixed doubles, debutants Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei were also through to the last eight when they overcame Sai Prateek-Tanisha Crasto of India 21-18, 21-18 in the third round.