Humble Zii Jia dedicates win to Chong Wei, late Chee Tean
Zii Jia made a remarkable return to top flight badminton when he scored his biggest career win by clinching the Taiwan Open title yesterday.
And in a touching way, Zii Jia dedicated his victory to his late friend Tan Chee Tean, who passed away last week in a road accident in Czech Republic, and former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, who has nose cancer.
In the final, the 20-year-old shuttler, who was sidelined for a month due to a lower back injury, saw off Japan’s Riichi Takeshita 21-17, 16-21, 21-11 at the Taipei Arena.
The title is Zii Jia’s second since being promoted to the senior squad two years ago.
Last year, the Kedah-born bagged the Polish International crown.
“I am very happy to have won” said Zii Jia, who chose to remain humble when contacted.
“Our Malaysian badminton scene has been a bit gloomy in the past couple of weeks. First, we heard about Datuk Lee’s condition and then of Chee Tean’s passing, it’s very sad. Chee Tean and I grew up together in the same state.
“Because of that I don’t think it’s right to overly celebrate my victory. Instead I want to dedicate this win to Datuk Lee and the family of Chee Tean.”
Zii Jia is the first Malaysian to win the Taiwan Open men’s singles title in 14 years after Chong Wei.
Earlier winners include current men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek (1987) and Wong Choong Hann (2003).
For his efforts, Zii Jia pocketed US37,500 (about RM156,000) in prize money.