PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia showed positive vibes as he cleared his first group game in style in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, yesterday.
In the presence of his proud parents, Zii Jia tore apart old-timer Chou Tien-chen 21-13, 21-15 in his first Group B match in just 39 minutes.
With the win, Zii Jia has gone ahead 6-5 in his head-to-head record against Tien-chen.
“My parents are here, together with the whole Team LZJ (including coach Wong Tat Meng). They are here to support me and bring the positive energy for me,” said Zii Jia.
He was ruthless in his opening game and wrapped it up in just 15 minutes. He was given some fight in the second but it only lasted briefly as a commanding Zii Jia surged ahead for the win.
“I’ve played Chou 10 times, so we know each other’s game. The key is self preparation and I did well today,” said Zii Jia, who will part ways with Tat Meng after the Finals.
The world No. 8 will play Anders Antonsen (pic) of Denmark next in a bid to seal a place in the semi-finals.
“I was disappointed to miss the last two Finals but I’m here and trying to achieve something,” said Zii Jia, who last competed at the season finale in the 2021 edition in Bali.
Then, he had reached the semi-finals as group champion but lost to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the semis.
On his match against Antonsen, Zii Jia said: “I have beaten him in the last two meetings but he has done quite well after the Olympic Games. He is quite consistent as well.’’
Their last meeting was at the Paris Olympics and Zii Jia beat him in the quarter-finals.
“It’s going to be a tough game but I will be ready.”
