Top men’s singles and world number 14 shuttler Lee Zii Jia is officially making a comeback after announcing that he would be quitting badminton temporarily back on June 14.
Sin Chew Daily reported that this was confirmed by the 25-year-old, who will be making an appearance at the Korea Open, a Super 500 event in Yeosu from July 18 to 23 under the guidance of his new coach Wong Tat Meng.
He is set to face Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long in the first round, who defeated and sent him packing during the Indonesia Masters last 16 in January of this year.
Lee Zii Jia makes an official comeback
Zii Jia’s sister and manager Lee Zii Yii told the Chinese daily that members of the media will not be invited for interviews with Wong for the time being and will instead release videos of official visits.
This is because there is less than two weeks of preparation time for the upcoming series of tournaments, and it is crucial for Zii Jia to focus on training. We appreciate everyone’s concern and understanding,” she said.
Aside from the Korean Open, Zii Jia will also be competing in other tournaments such as the Japan Open (July 25 to July 30) and the Australia Open (Aug 1 to Aug 6).
Quit badminton temporarily back in June
Zii Jia’s return is a piece of good news for fans, who have expressed worry for the shuttler’s performance and mental state after a string of humiliating losses.
After suffering yet another first round exit during the Indonesia Open 2023, Zii Jia dropped a bombshell by announcing that he would be quitting the sport until he rediscovers his passion again.
“Maybe I will stop playing tournaments — I don’t know for how long. I have been considering this for quite long. It’s too much for me on court, I can’t concentrate 100 per cent. It will be good for me to take a break. The priority for me is to find my passion on court. I did well at the Sudirman Cup, but I haven’t done much different after that,” he told BWF.
Welcome back, Zii Jia! We’re rooting for you at the Korea Open and subsequent matches!
