[UPDATED] BATC 2024: like a dream, Lee Zii Jia sleepwalks to victory over Lin Chun-yi

SHAH ALAM – Independent national men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia was feeling sleepy, but he did not allow his sleepiness to take over as he showed dominance in Malaysia’s third group match at the Badminton Asia Team Championships against Chinese Taipei, winning his game with ease today. 

The 10th-ranked Zii Jia showed no room for error as he displayed a skilful performance to topple Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi 21-16, 21-13 in 42 minutes at the Setia City Convention Centre. 

The 25-year-old openly admitted that he nearly dozed off due to the delay of his match, which was supposed to take place at about 5pm. 

However, the game took place around 8pm on Court 1 after South Korea’s 3-2 win against Indonesia, which was also held on the same court. 

“I felt sleepy because of the delay of the match, and I nearly fell asleep. I also have to wake up early for tomorrow’s training. But I don’t have a choice as delays in games are part of the tournament, and that’s how it works. We players are used to this. 

“It was a smooth performance from my side. Whatever inputs I received from my coach today, I made sure that I made good use of them. In terms of my strategies and skills, everything went well today. 

“So far, this has been my toughest match in BATC, and yesterday’s win against Dmitriy Panarin (Kazakhstan) was more of a warm-up match for me. 

“Like I said in the past, Chun-yi’s performance has always been good, and in my opinion, he’s a rising star. Winning against him can be considered a good credit for me. 

“My victory today doesn’t only boost my confidence but I believe that it will be carried forward by my team in this group match. I want to focus on the upcoming match, and I’m hoping for a positive outcome from it,” said Zii Jia when met after his match. 

His winning momentum was not able to be continued by his compatriot as the top doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik failed to beat the world number 16 pair Lee Jhe Huei-Lee Yang 21-23, 17-21 in a 34-minute match.

The second men’s singles match saw Leong Jun Hao bringing back the lead for Malaysia as he defeated Chia Hao Lee 21-19, 21-17, making the game score 2-1 for Malaysia.

Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin, who had a 100% winning record in the tournament so far, were shaky at first but went on to win against Wang Chi Lin-Yang Po Han 21-19, 21-14, making it 3-1 for the national men’s team. 

Being the last player to step on the court and knowing that his team had already guaranteed their spot in the quarterfinals, 19-year-old Eogene Ewe Eon was too relaxed with his performance, which saw him losing out to Chi Yu Jen 16-21,14-21. 

With their 3-2 victory over Chinese Taipei, Malaysia finished on top of Group B with six points and will take on Singapore in the quarterfinals tomorrow evening (4 PM). 

Meanwhile, the national women’s team, which succumbed 1-4 to Thailand earlier this morning, will play Indonesia in the quarterfinals tomorrow morning (10 AM). 

Additionally, the top four teams from both the men’s and women’s events will qualify for the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in China, taking place from April 28 to May 5, 2024. – February 15, 2024