KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s men’s singles player, Lee Zii Jia, had a smooth path to the quarter-finals of the 2024 All England Championship after a convincing victory over Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew today.
In the second round clash at Utilita Arena Birmingham, the Kedahan showcased immense confidence, dominating the match and securing a win with scores of 21-15, 21-10.
This victory follows Zii Jia’s strong performance in the previous day’s first round match, where he defeated Japan’s sixth seed, Kodai Naraoka, with a score of 21-12, 21-19.
Zii Jia admitted that he felt more confident in his playing style compared to his performance at the French Open last week, where he was eliminated in the opening round by Denmark’s Magnus Johannesen.
Additionally, Zii Jia capitalised on the opportunity in today’s match as his opponent, Kean Yew, was not in the best condition.
“I feel that Kean Yew and I have similarities, in that we can win when we are at our best, and we can do it when not playing at home.
“Last week, I was disappointed with my performance, and I tried to discuss with my coach (Wong Tat Meng) about what I can improve.
“Basically, this week I tried to regain my confidence, and so far everything looks good, hoping it can continue for tomorrow’s match,” said Zii Jia in a post-match interview with BWF.
Zii Jia, who clinched the title at the 2021 All England, will face the winner between Lakhsya Sen from India and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in tomorrow’s quarter-finals.
Unfortunately, it was a different story for Malaysian pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, who competed in the mixed doubles event but failed to advance to the quarter-finals.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei put up a fierce fight against the pair from the Netherlands, Robin Tabeling-Selena Piek, but a hip injury suffered by Ee Wei led to their defeat with scores of 21-17, 19-21, 16-21.
Also ending their campaign were Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing, who lost to Hong Kong pair Tang Chun Man-Tse Ying Suet, with scores of 17-21, 11-21. – March 14, 2024