KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia will not compete in the 2025 Malaysia Open, next week, marking a disappointing start to his season.
Zii Jia’s withdrawal is due to an ongoing right ankle ligament injury sustained at the World Tour Finals on December 11-15.
In a statement issued by Zii Jia’s management, Team LZJ, it was revealed that the shuttler has not fully recovered from the injury, which has kept him from being fit in time for the home tournament.
“It is with a heavy heart to announce that Zii Jia will not be able to appear at the World Tour 2025 season opener and home tournament, the Malaysia Open,” the statement read.
“Zi Jia unfortunately has not fully recovered from the right ankle ligament injury sustained during the World Tour Finals.”
The 26-year-old’s participation in the India Open and Indonesia Masters this month is also uncertain, with recovery still being monitored.
The injury, diagnosed after scans conducted both in China and Malaysia, is described as “manageable,” but it requires careful attention.
Zii Jia was on the verge of reaching the semi-finals at the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou when he was forced to retire during his third and final Group A match against China’s Li Shi Feng. Despite leading 22-20, 15-11, he had to pull out due to the injury.
The withdrawal from the Malaysia Open is a significant blow to the country, as Zii Jia was expected to be one of the top contenders for the prestigious tournament.
Fans and the badminton community were hoping to see him compete on home soil after a challenging year.
With his withdrawal, Malaysia’s men’s singles hope at the Malaysia Open falls on Leong Jun Hao — the country’s sole representative.
Adding to Zii Jia’s challenges, the departure of his coach, Wong Tat Meng last month marked a shift in his career.
He also bid farewell to his strength and conditioning coach, Lim Joe Heang, who left the team after a period of successful collaboration.
However, the appointment of former national player, 44-year-old Yeoh Kay Bin, as Zii Jia’s new head coach signals a fresh chapter in the star shuttler’s journey.
Kay Bin, with his extensive experience both locally and internationally, is expected to bring new strategies and training methodologies to Zii Jia’s game.
His appointment highlights a strategic focus on enhancing consistency and international competitiveness, aiming to elevate Zii Jia’s performance in the coming months.
The uncertainty surrounding Zii Jia’s recovery and upcoming tournaments coincides with this new phase in his career as he looks to regain his fitness and work under the guidance of his new coach. — January 3, 2025