PETALING JAYA: How far can Lee Zii Jia go at the Arctic Open this time?
The professional men’s singles shuttler will have the chance to show just that when he takes on China’s Dong Tianyao in the first round today.
It will be an early test for the world No. 56, who lost to Tianyao in the qualifying round of the Orleans Masters in France seven months ago.
A win would not only make up for that disappointment but could also give Zii Jia a much-needed boost in confidence after a difficult run of results.
Last month, Zii Jia dropped down to the lower-tier Vietnam Open, a Super 100 event, but suffered a first-round defeat to Taiwan’s Wu Zheying.
He started his Arctic Open campaign in the qualifying round and had little trouble beating home shuttler Kalle Koljonen 21-12, 21-15 yesterday.
Zii Jia is the only Malaysian men’s singles player competing at the Arctic Open after Cheam June Wei, Eogene Ewe, Jacky Kok and Lim Yu Sheng withdrew from the tournament.
The Arctic Open also holds fond memories for Zii Jia, who won the title three years ago after beating compatriot Ng Tze Yong in the final.
Besides Zii Jia, men’s doubles shuttler Aaron Tai will also be in action today with new partner Yap Roy King.
The pair, however, face an all-Malaysian first-round clash against veterans Tan Wee Kiong-Nur Azriyn Ayub.
Another Malaysian pair, Teo Ee Yi-Chia Weijie, will take on Sweden’s Jesper Borgstedt-Joel Hansson.
