PETALING JAYA: Independent men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia's hopes of making a strong run at the Japan Masters were dashed after he did not make it past the qualifying round on Tuesday (Nov 10).
Playing at the Kumamoto Prefectural Gymnasium, Zii Jia faced Japan's Minoru Koga, whom he beat in the qualifying round of the Swiss Open in March.
However, the former All-England champion could not repeat that result, losing 15-21, 10-21 in just 32 minutes.
Zii Jia's defeat also ended Malaysia's men's singles challenge at the Japan Masters before the main draw even began, following the earlier withdrawals of Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Eogene Ewe.
