Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia believes he needs to return to his best version to be able to compete in the Thomas Cup Finals from April 24 to May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
Zii Jia made his competitive return in the Malaysian Open after an injury-plagued 2025 and looked rusty in his opening match against India’s Ayush Shetty, losing 12-21, 17-21 at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on Tuesday (Jan 6).
The independent player admitted that he was some way from full match fitness and felt he would only be able to play in the Thomas Cup if his physical condition improved in time for the team competition.
“For me, I’m always ready to play for my country if I’m needed, but my expectations of myself are higher,” said Zii Jia.
“I need to be back to at least 70 to 80% match fitness to be able to play in the Thomas Cup.”
Zii Jia, whose world rankings have dropped to No. 144, also does not believe playing in the third singles would benefit the team.
There has been talk of placing the former national No. 1 in the third singles due to his drop in rankings, which could work in the team's favour.
“To be honest, if I’m playing in third singles, it won’t be an advantage,” said Zii Jia.
“I want to be at my best. I can’t afford to be in this condition where I won’t be able to play well. I want something better from myself.”
Zii Jia faces a tough task to improve his fitness and rankings in time for the team meet.
His protected ranking of No. 9, which makes him eligible to play in higher-tier events, expires in March.
World No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, world No. 39 Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin (No. 45) are currently all ahead of Zii Jia in the rankings, which makes it difficult for him to play in either first or second singles.
Zii Jia is next looking to perform better in the Indian Open, which starts next Tuesday (Jan 13) in New Delhi.
The 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medallist will open his campaign against Denmark’s world No. 27 Rasmus Gemke.
Zii Jia has also registered to compete in the Indonesian Masters (Jan 20-25) in Jakarta and the Thailand Masters (Jan 27-Feb 1) in Patum Wan.
