ZII JIA ON BRINK OF TITLE

Japan’s Takeshita stands in his way for Taiwan Open crown

LEE Zii Jia, who is seen by many as Lee Chong Wei’s successor, is a match away from being crowned champion in the Taiwan Open. Yesterday, Zii Jia recorded his biggest win of his career when he clawed back from a game down to see off World No 4 Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan 17-21, 21-14, 2422 in the semi-finals.

The World No 69 plays 81st-ranked Riichi Takeshita of Japan, who upset fifth seed Jan Jorgensen of Denmark 21-17, 1621, 26-24, for the crown today.

It will be the first meeting between both shuttlers.

Zii Jia, playing in his first tournament since recovering from a back injury, said he never thought much about winning.

There was a small window of opportunity, and he took it.

“I still have one more match to go, and I do not want to jinx it,” admitted Zii Jia in Taipei yesterday.

“I barely reacted or celebrated on court because I knew that I needed to be focused on every point. I had a chance, and I took it.

“My body is slowly feeling the effects of the long and tiring match. I must get some rest and push for one more good match tomorrow,” added Zii Jia, whose last title was the Polish International last year.

Meanwhile, it was the end of the road for women’s singles Soniia Cheah, who lost 2116, 21-19 to World No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the last-four.

“Tzu Ying’s speed and strength are better than mine. She had the advantage from the start,” said Soniia.

National mixed doubles Chen Tang JiePeck Yen Wei also crashed out in the semifinals after going down 12-21, 21-18, 21-12 to Taiwan’s Yang Po Hsuan-Wu Ti Jung.