PETALING JAYA: A thrilling men's singles match between China's world No. 1 Shi Yuqi and home favourite Lee Zii Jia is anticipated in the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Open from Jan 7-12 in Bukit Jalil.
Based on the draw released on Sunday (Dec 31), world No. 6 Zii Jia and Yuqi will meet if they clear their respective early round obstacles.
Zii Jia will begin his campaign against Taiwan's world No. 33 Su Li-yang, with a win setting up a second-round match against China's world No. 22 Lei Lanxi.
The independent player remains uncertain for the tournament after sustaining an ankle injury in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Yuqi is expected to beat Japan's world No. 15 Kenta Nishimoto in the first round and will face either teammate Lu Guangzu or Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao in the second round.
World No. 29 Jun Hao, making his home Open debut, has a challenging opener against world No. 16 Guangzu.
