KUALA LUMPUR – According to former international Datuk Rashid Sidek, Malaysia’s men’s singles ace Lee Zii Jia has done everything right so far to reach the semi-finals of the Paris Olympics.
Following his sensational 21-17, 21-15 win over Denmark’s world number three Anders Antonsen in the quarter-finals on Friday, Zii Jia is now on the cusp of becoming the first Malaysian singles player, since Datuk Lee Chong Wei, to reach an Olympic final.
However, to do that, Zii Jia must first overcome reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, who thrashed the tournament favourite and world number one Shi Yuqi of China 21-12, 21-10 in the last eight stage.
Back in 1996, Rashid was in a very similar situation to Zii Jia when he too reached the semis before going down to China’s Dong Jiong at the Atlanta Games.
Rashid would go on to defeat Indonesia’s Hariyanto Arbi in the bronze medal playoff, while Denmark’s Poul-Erik Hoyer clinched the gold after downing Dong in the final.
Speaking to Scoop today, Rashid said Zii Jia has been in solid form throughout the competition; he just needs to keep a cool head and focus on his strengths.
“As I mentioned in my previous interview (with Scoop), this is the Olympics, where anything can happen. True enough, some of the big names, including Shi, are out.
“Frankly speaking, this has paved the way for Zii Jia to reach the final.
“My advice to him is the same: stay low profile as he has been doing so well in Paris,” said Rashid.
On paper, Zii Jia and world number eight Kunlavut will start tomorrow’s semi-finals with a 4-4 head-to-head record.
Rashid urged Zii Jia to focus on his attacking prowess but also be ready to switch up his play if Kunlavut decides to play longer rallies.
“Kunlavut is a rally player, while Zii Jia is more of an attacking player.
“If the attacks don’t work as well, Zii Jia must be quick to switch up his play. The outcome of the match will highly depend on this,” added Rashid.
The other semi-final will see India’s surprise package Lakshya Sen taking on world number two and defending champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
Birmingham Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen 19-21, 21-15, 21-12 in the quarter-finals, while Axelsen made easy work of Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew 21-9, 21-17. – August 3, 2024