KUALA LUMPUR – Has Lee Zii Jia found his rhythm?
The independent men’s singles shuttler appears to be more focused and is back in the groove in the quarterfinal of the Denmark Open early this morning when he took down Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto.
He started off the match strongly, winning the first game 21-18. Without hesitation, he sealed the deal with his signature backhand smash to win another 21-18.
The victory marked his second triumph over Nishimoto in a total of eight encounters.
His path led him to face Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, marking his second consecutive appearance in the Super 750 event semifinals.
Similarly, national top men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik advanced to the last four after dispatching China’s He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu.
The first game was a nail-biter, ending 24-22 in their favour, but they faced a setback in the second game, losing 18-21.
However, the world’s fourth-ranked pair displayed persistence, clinching the decider with a 21-12 victory after an intense 64-minute battle.
They are set to face hosts Kim Astrup-Anders Rasmussen in the semifinals later today.
The same cannot be said for compatriots Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, whose fate was sealed by the Danish opponents.
Despite their effort, they lost the first game 19-21 but made a powerful comeback in the next to score 21-11.
As they were gaining momentum, Ee Yi appeared to suffer from a right calf strain, necessitating a brief medical intervention.
The duo ultimately succumbed to Astrup-Rasmussen, 14-21, depriving fans of an all-Malaysian men’s doubles showdown in the semis. – October 21, 2023