PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Lee Zii Jia, who was knocked out in the first round at the last two BWF Tour events, made amends today by defeating French player Christo Popov at the 2024 Arctic Open badminton championship.
Showing superior control and accurate placings throughout the two games, the defending champion and world No 4 took 43 minutes to defeat Popov 21-15, 21-11 at the Energia Areena in Vantaa, Finland.
Zii Jia also beat the world No 27 in their sole previous encounter at the 2022 German Open.
However, a tough match awaits the Olympic bronze medallist as he will take on China’s rising player and world No 22 Lei Lanxi in the last 16 tomorrow.
SPONSORED CONTENT Enjoy a taste of Malaysia, everyday with Ayam Brand™ local pastes SHAH ALAM: Fact: Every time Malaysians travel abroad, we almost immediately miss the taste of home. You don’t need to be homesick to celebrate Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage when you can savor the authentic taste of Malaysia in your own home with Ayam Brand™ cooking pastes. Read more Zii Jia has been placed in the top half of the draw along with Denmark’s world No 3 Anders Antonsen, Indonesia’s world No 9 Anthony Ginting and Taiwan’s world No 10 Chou Tien-chen.
Ginting, another Chinese player Lu Guangzu or Japan’s Koki Watanabe could await the Malaysian in the last eight if he clears his next hurdle.
Zii Jia beat fellow Malaysian Ng Tze Yong in the Arctic Open final last year.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
