KUALA LUMPUR: National number one men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s quest for his maiden final appearance of the season at the Australian Open badminton championship ended in the semi-finals today.
The world number 17 faced a setback as he went down 19-21, 21-13, 13-21 after an 81-minute battle against Weng Hong Yang of China at the Quaycentre Arena in Sydney.
The world number 24 Hong Yang is set to face the winner of the clash between two Indian shuttlers, HS Prannoy and Priyanshu Rajawat, in the final tomorrow.
With Zii Jia’s defeat, the country’s challenge Down Under came to an end, as men’s doubles reigning world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik were stunned 15-21, 17-21 by Lu Ching Yao-Yang Po Han of Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals yesterday.
Zii Jia advanced to the semi-finals after beating compatriot Ng Tze Yong 17-21, 26-24, 21-19, while Hong Yang upset fifth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 21-10, 21-16.
Despite the setback, there’s hope for Zii Jia to get back to winning ways, as this is the first time he was able to clear his first-round obstacle since his second-round exit in the Malaysia Masters in May.
He has since faced first-round eliminations in four consecutive tournaments: the Singapore Open, the Indonesia Open, the Korea Open, and the Japan Open.
Zii Jia’s best achievement on the World Tour this year was reaching the semi-finals of the All England and Swiss Opens from the 11 tournaments he played prior to the Australian Open. – BERNAMA
Sarawak’s unity propels development, eyes higher economic rankings
4 May 2024
7 hours ago
