Easy does it: Lee Zii Jia beat India’s Kiran George 21-13, 21-18 in the second round of the Malaysian Masters. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia believes patience will be key in his last eight match against Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in the Malaysian Masters today.
Zii Jia is eager to continue his winning streak after beating India’s Kiran George 21-13, 21-18 in the second round at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil yesterday to set up a mouthwatering clash with world No. 4 Antonsen.
The world No. 10 professional shuttler captured the Thailand Open on Sunday and stayed steady to end the challenge of the world No. 36 Indian.
Zii Jia though is set to face a stern test against Antonsen, who captured the Malaysian Open in the same venue in January.
“I need to stay patient as it will not be easy to score points against Antonsen,” said Zii Jia.
“It will definitely be a tough match for me more so after he won the Malaysian Open earlier in the year.
“I will try to bring my best performance again.”
Zii Jia was pleased to make it into his first quarter-finals at home since the 2020 edition where he reached the last four.
“It has been quite long since I reached the quarter-finals here and I’m happy to clear the early rounds,” said Zii Jia.
“Kiran made it tough for me in the second game as his defence was more solid. To be honest, I started to feel tired after 15 points but I just told myself to be patient and I’m glad I managed to hold on to win.”
Based on the head-to-head records, Antonsen holds the advantage after coming out on top over Zii Jia five times in their past seven meetings.
Zii Jia’s only win over the Dane in a full match was in the first round of the home Masters in 2020.
Meanwhile, world No. 37 Leong Jun Hao’s campaign came to an end after he went down 15-21, 16-21 to China’s reigning Asian Games gold medallist and 2023 All-England champion Li Shifeng.
It was Jun Hao’s second defeat to Shifeng this month after losing in the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu.
