Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia in action against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen during the final match of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Sunday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Following their disappointing outing at the All-England last week, Malaysia’s shuttlers will have the chance to restore their reputation at the Asian Badminton Championships in Ningbo, China, from April 8-13.
In the men’s singles event, 2022 champion Lee Zii Jia (pic), seeded seventh, will lead the national challenge alongside Ng Tze Yong and Leong Jun Hao. However, concerns remain over Zii Jia’s fitness after his struggles at the All-England, followed by his withdrawal from the ongoing Swiss Open in Basel due to injury.
For Tze Yong, this will be his first international appearance since struggling with a back injury. Ironically, a year ago, he was set to compete in this tournament but withdrew in the first round against Taiwan’s Wang Tze-wei.
The men’s doubles pairs will be looking to bounce back from their disappointment in Birmingham and will enter the competition as seeded players.
Last year’s runners-up Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will spearhead the challenge as the top seeds, while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are seeded sixth and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun eighth.
Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King will also compete as they make their debut in the tournament.
Similar to Zii Jia, Aaron is still struggling with a lingering arm injury that affected his performance at the Orleans Masters and All-England. If he has not fully recovered in time, there is a possibility that Aaron-Wooi Yik may have to withdraw.
In the women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei will be hoping for a better draw after bowing out in the first round last year to India’s Pusarla Sindhu. Meanwhile, Wong Ling Ching, S. Kisona and K. Letshanaa will have to battle through the qualifying rounds for a spot in the main draw.
The women’s doubles pair of Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, seeded sixth, will be determined to improve on last year’s early exit in the first round.
However, injury concerns persist as Pearly is still recovering from an ankle sprain sustained in Birmingham last week. They will be joined by Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee, while Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Lee Zhi Qing-Tio Sue Xin will have to go through the qualifiers.
In the mixed doubles, Malaysia will field four pairs, with Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie entering as the third seeds, while Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are seeded fourth. Hoo Pang Ron-Chen Su Yin will be making their debut, along with Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien.
The draw for the tournament will take place on March 25.
