KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — National shuttler Lee Zii Jia pulled off a pleasant surprise by sweeping aside Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in straight sets in the first round of the World Badminton Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, today.
Zii Jia, world number 13, who is currently embroiled in a spat with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) over a uniform issue, took just 39 minutes to overcome his formidable opponent, ranked world number five, in straight 21-13, 21-15 sets at the Royal Arena.
The Malaysian is not expected to face a serious challenge in the second round, where he will face Canada’s Brian Yang (world number 27th).
Zii Jia’s performance in competitions has been rocky, with him losing in the first round of at least four major competitions.
Another Malaysian, Goh Jin Wei, took just 30 minutes to beat Hungary’s Vivien Sandorhazi 21-18, 21-15 in straight sets.
The 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games gold medallist, however, is expected to face an uphill task in the second round after being drawn against world number one, An Se Young from South Korea in the second round tomorrow.
Meanwhile, there was disappointment for another Malaysian women’s singles shuttler, S. Kisona, who lost to Taiwan’s Pai Yu Po 22-20, 19-21, 13-21.
Tomorrow, 10 Malaysians — Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (men’s doubles); Anna Cheong Ching Yik-Teoh Mei Xing and Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien (women’s doubles), and two mixed doubles pairs Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie — will see first-round action at the event.
— Bernama
