Zii Jia looks for redemption
Zii Jia still has a long way to go if he wishes to come close to the bar set by Lee Chong Wei.
The 21-year-old failed to reach the men’s singles second round of the Malaysia Open following a 21-17, 19-21, 21-15 defeat to Thailand’s Suppanyu Avihingsanon yesterday.
Zii Jia’s defeat also ends Malaysia’s challenge in the men’s singles that was long dominated by Chong Wei. Independent shuttlers Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren were also sent packing in the first round.
Blaming it on overconfidence, Zii Jia has vowed to pick himself and put up a better show in next week’s Singapore Open.
“First of all, I want to apologise to all Malaysians for not being able to win the match.
“I must admit that I am still learning and this was a hard lesson
“Prior to this tournament, everyone was talking about how easy my draw was. That got to me and I became overconfident.
“I want to pick myself up from this defeat and hopefully put up a better show next week in Singapore,” said Zii Jia.
In the women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei reached the second round after a commanding 21-13, 21-12 win over Thailand’s Nitchaon Jindapol.
Jin Wei, who has just recovered from a hamstring injury, will face another Thai shuttler, Pornpawee Chochuwong today for a place in the quarter-finals.
In the women’s doubles first round, Chow Mei Kuan-Lee Meng Yean failed to emulate their India Open success from last week when they lost 12-21, 2110, 21-15 to Thailand’s Jongkolphan Kititharakul-Rawinda Prajonjai.