Zii Jia, Jun Hao show nerves of steel in wins over Chinese rivals

Giving no quarters: Leong Jun Hao in action against China’s Lei Lanxi during the first round of the Malaysian Masters. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttlers Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao made smashing starts in the Malaysian Masters when they battled past their respective Chinese opponents to advance into the second round.

Fresh from his Thailand Open success, world No. 10 Zii Jia secured a superb come-from-behind 19-11, 21-11, 21-14 win over 2022 World Championships bronze medallist Zhao Junpeng at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday.