Running out of steam: Lee Zii Jia was forced to retire in his quarter-final tie against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Lee Zii Jia set out January determined to find his footing on the international stage, lining up four tournaments in quick succession to measure his progress.
But after the final stop at the Thailand Masters, the former All-England champion appears to still be searching for rhythm.
Yesterday, Zii Jia suffered another setback when he was forced to retire against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan.
Competing in his fourth consecutive tournament since returning from an injury-hit 2025, the independent shuttler started brightly against the Indonesian Masters champion, taking the opening game 21-10.
However, he slipped while retrieving a shuttle at 15-17 in the second game and required medical attention.
Although Zii Jia resumed play, he lost the second game 15-21 before deciding to withdraw in the decider.
Still, the 26-year-old is refusing to give up on his fight to reclaim his place among the world’s elite.
He will next compete at the German Open from Feb 24-March 1 in Mulheim.
Former great Datuk Rashid Sidek welcomed Zii Jia’s return to competition.
“It is good for Zii Jia to come out and play four tournaments because now he knows where he stands against the world’s top players,” said Rashid.
“Unfortunately, he had to retire at the Thailand Masters, but it’s wise to be cautious as he doesn’t want to risk another injury.
“There will be more tournaments ahead. I don’t think this is the end for him – it’s more like a warm-up before he slowly picks himself up.”
Earlier this month, Zii Jia exited in the first round of the Malaysian Open against India’s Ayush Shetty, followed by another opening-round loss to Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke at the Indian Open, before crashing out in the second round of the Indonesian Masters against Thailand’s Panitchapon Teetaratsakul.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s doubles also ended after independent pairs Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayub and Chia Weijie-Lwi Sheng Hao bowed out.
Seasoned campaigners Wee Kiong-Azriyn went down 13-21, 14-21 to China’s Hu Keyuan-Lin Xiangyi while Weijie-Sheng Hao lost out 11-21, 16-21 to Indonesia’s Leo Rolly-Bagas Maulana.
