No turning back: Malaysia men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia will move forward to get his game going again. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The local fans’ support will keep men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia going.
Zii Jia, who was making his comeback in the Malaysian Open after an injury-riddled 2025, suffered a 12-21, 17-21 defeat at the hands of India’s world No. 32 Ayush Shetty at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Jan 6).
The independent player was competing in his first tournament since suffering a back injury in the China Masters in September and struggled for rhythm, eventually losing in 39 minutes.
Zii Jia was disappointed with the defeat but was touched by the support from the home fans after last competing at home in the Malaysian Masters in 2024.
"I’m not satisfied with my performance today (yesterday). I’m still not at 100 percent yet in terms of match fitness," said Zii Jia.
"I knew it was not going to be easy to play against the Indian. His results last year were good. He’s a rising star.
"I tried to change tactics in the second game but it was still not good enough to win.
"It’s difficult to be positive but I’ve missed competing at home and I’m happy that I could play here again.
"I could not play in the home tournaments last year. I’m touched by the support from the fans.
"They are still very patient with me. I could also compete again without getting any injuries," added Zii Jia.
Zii Jia is next hoping for better fortunes when he plays in the Indian Open next week.
The 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist is desperate to move up the world rankings after dropping to No. 144 due to his long absences from tournaments last year.
Zii Jia has also registered to play in the Indonesian Masters (Jan 20-25) and Thailand Masters (Jan 27-Feb 1).
"These four tournaments are crucial for me to get back my match rhythm and climb back up the rankings," said Zii Jia.
"My match fitness now is only at about 50 to 60 percent. I hope I can regain my form as soon as possible."
Zii Jia is in a race against time to get back to his best as his ranking protection of No. 9 which enables him to compete in top tier events expires in March.
