Zii Jia storms into final

Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia in action against Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long during the semi-final match of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: A fired up Lee Zii Jia stormed into the final of the Malaysian Masters on Saturday (May 25).

The independent men’s singles shuttler was in his element as he swept aside Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long 21-15, 21-17 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

World No. 10 Zii Jia has now reached his first ever final in the home tourney, surpassing his achievement in 2020 where he made it into the last four.

The 26-year-old will now be out to capture his second consecutive title after triumphing in the Thailand Open last week.

Zii Jia though faces a tough hurdle in the title match against Denmark’s world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen on Sunday (May 26).

The Dane is also on top form after easily beating China’s Lu Guangzu 21-6, 21-13 in the other semi-final match.