Zii Jia takes first defeat to Jun Hao in stride

Lee Zii Jia — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Losing is never easy, and men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia sees it as part of the journey in his effort to regain his top form.

The 27-year-old suffered another early exit when he fell in the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Wednesday, losing 16-21, 16-21 to compatriot Leong Jun Hao in just 40 minutes.

It was Zii Jia’s first defeat to Jun Hao in four meetings since they first crossed paths in 2016.

Still, Zii Jia refused to be disheartened, insisting both players gave their best. He admitted, however, that the gap between them was evident as he continues to rebuild after a lengthy layoff caused by a left ankle injury.

The Hong Kong Open was only his second tournament since returning from injury, coming just two weeks after the World Championships in Paris, where he also crashed out in the opening round.

"I think both of us played very well, but one of us still could not break through," said Zii Jia in a post match interview with China Global Television Network.

"There is still some distance, and I am quite far from my previous level. But I need to keep going.

"I hope to rediscover my rhythm in every match, and I believe this is very important."

Zii Jia had been troubled by a right ankle injury since last December during the World Tour Finals.

He attempted a return in March at the Orleans Masters and All England, but the injury worsened, forcing him into a long layoff and prompting him to apply for a protected ranking from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Next up for Zii Jia is the China Masters in Shenzhen starting on Tuesday.

The former Asian champion has been drawn to face Taiwan’s Lin Chun-yi in the opening round.

Zii Jia holds a 2-1 head-to-head record against the Taiwanese shuttler, with their last meeting taking place at the Asian Team Championships in Setia Alam, Selangor, last year.