KUALA LUMPUR — Lee Zii Jia’s much-anticipated return to competition ended in anti-climactic fashion today, as the Malaysian shuttler crashed out in the opening round of the World Championships in Paris.
The 27-year-old, back in action after a five-month layoff due to injury and mental health struggles, was beaten 21-17, 21-11 by South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin at the Adidas Arena — the same venue where he claimed an Olympic bronze medal last year.
It marks a setback for the independent shuttler, who last competed at the All England in March. Yet, when asked about the weight of expectation and scrutiny surrounding his comeback, Zii Jia was defiant.
“It’s something I have to deal with throughout my career, as long as I’m in this industry,” he told the Badminton World Federation (BWF). “That’s something I can’t avoid. It’s something I have to face.”
Pressed on how he handles the pressure, his reply was blunt: “No, I don’t care about it.”
This mindset of acceptance and indifference is one Zii Jia has adopted to navigate the highs and lows of being a top-tier athlete.
He admitted his physical condition and endurance were far from their best, rating his performance a modest “five” out of ten.
“When I say five, it’s definitely physical. Physically, and my endurance as well. This is something I have to go back and work on with the team,” he said.
The former All England champion described the rehabilitation process as the most gruelling part of his absence.
“In the middle of rehab, I was quite desperate to get back to training. I was curious why the injury took so long to heal. The progress was very boring to me.”
Despite his early exit, Zii Jia urged patience from fans as he works towards regaining his top form.
“Be patient,” he said. “The patience is not just for them, but for me as well. I definitely have the confidence to get back to the level I used to be.”
Zii Jia, who has slipped down to No. 52 in the world, will now shift his focus towards the Hong Kong Open next month. — August 25, 2025