PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has been handed a tough draw in the Malaysian Open from Jan 6-11 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Zii Jia, who is set to make his first competitive appearance since September, could go up against China's world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in the second round, based on the draw released on Tuesday (Dec 30).
Before that, the independent player has a tricky opening task against India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty, while Yuqi will start as the favourite against Denmark's world No. 27 Rasmus Gemke in the first round.
Zii Jia has struggled with injuries throughout the year and will be hoping to put his fitness issues behind him in 2026.
Meanwhile, Malaysia's other representative in the men's singles in the home event, world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, will open his campaign against China's world No. 29 Wang Zhengxing.
