KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian shuttlers, independent men’s singles Lee Zii Jia and national men’s singles Ng Tze Yong, have recently seen a boost in their rankings on the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) Road to Paris rankings.
The Road to Paris rankings hold the key to determining which athletes will be eligible to represent their respective countries in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Only the top 16 players in these rankings will secure their coveted spots at the Paris Summer Games.
In the rankings released on Tuesday, Zii Jia rose three spots from 15th to 12th, while Tze Yong went up two rungs from 12th place to 10th.
Zii Jia’s quest to qualify for Paris may be aided by the possible withdrawal of his second-round opponent Viktor Axelsen from the ongoing Denmark Open.
After cruising past Danish compatriot Magnus Johannesen 21-7, 21-9 yesterday, the world number one told Badminton Europe that he is unsure he can play against Zii Jia later today.
“At this point, I don’t think there is a big chance the match is going to happen, I have a big pain in my left leg.
“Something extraordinary needs to happen in order for me to be ready for the match (against Zii Jia),” said the hometown hero.
In other sectors of the Road to Paris rankings, Malaysia could be caught in a dilemma in the men’s doubles department as it has three pairs in the top 16.
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik occupy second place, while Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi hold the ninth spot. The country’s third pair is Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun.
According to the rules, a country can enter two pairs in the men’s doubles competition if they secure spots in the top eight by the end of the qualifying period, which is April 30 next year.
If the pairs end up ranked ninth or below, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) must choose one of the duo to represent the country in Paris.
As things stand, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has to choose between Yew Sin-Ee Yi and Wei Chong-Kai Wun as Malaysia’s second pair for the Games.
In women’s doubles, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah stand in 10th place, poised to be Malaysia’s sole representatives in the category, as the next best pair Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien currently in 32nd place.
Meanwhile, in mixed doubles, Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei are making their presence felt in sixth place, while the next best pair is Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai.
In women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei currently holds the highest-ranked Malaysian in 23rd place. – October 19, 2023