PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's line-up for the World Championships looks set to remain largely unchanged ahead of Tuesday's (Aug 12) closing entry, with men’s singles ace Lee Zii Jia expected to make the trip to Paris from Aug 25-31.
It was earlier believed that the former Asian champion Zii Jia might withdraw despite receiving an invitation from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Zii Jia has been nursing a ligament injury in his right ankle, which forced him out of several tournaments, including the China and Japan Opens.
However, as The Star reported earlier, a source close to the player said he has shown encouraging signs of recovery and has been undergoing intensive training with his coach Yeoh Kay Bin.
This will be his first outing after a five-month injury layoff, with his last appearance being at the All-England in March.
Joining him in the men’s singles is Leong Jun Hao, who will be making his debut at the world meet.
Zii Jia, however, will not be seeded this time as his ranking has slipped to No. 52.
In the women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei will be joined by K. Letshanaa.
Women’s doubles will see Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah going in as the second seeds alongside Teoh Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee.
Men’s doubles will have the largest representation with four pairs – 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 2 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King.
The mixed doubles will feature three Malaysian pairs – Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei (fourth seeds), husband-and-wife duo Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (sixth seeds) and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin (13th seeds).
The draw is scheduled on Wednesday (Aug 13).
