PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, Lee Zii Jia, has withdrawn from the upcoming Malaysian Open next week.
Team LZJ announced the withdrawal from the Super 1000 season opener on Friday (Jan 3), stating that the world No. 6 player hadn’t recovered from a previous injury.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce Zii Jia will not be able to appear at the BWF World Tour 2025 season opener and home tournament, the Malaysian Open.
"Zii Jia unfortunately has not fully recovered from the right ankle ligament injury sustained during the World Tour Finals in December 2024.
"His participation in the Indian Open and Indonesian Masters scheduled in January 2025 is also under consideration, pending his full recovery," the statement said.
Zii Jia was slated to meet Taiwan’s Su Li-yang in the opening round of the tournament from Jan 7-12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.
Zii Jia’s withdrawal means Leong Jun Hao remains the only Malaysian in the men’s singles department and will play China’s Lu Guangzu in the first round.
