Shenzen: Malaysia’s star shuttler Lee Zii Jia endured another heartbreaking exit, this time retiring in the decider of his first-round match against Taiwan’s Lin Chun Yi.Watch Highlights of Lee Zii Jia vs. Lin Chun Yi in the first round of 2025 China Masters:
Lee Zii Jia began well, taking the first set 21-17, but lost the second 21-23 in a tightly contested battle. Trailing 6-14 in the final game, he was forced to withdraw, raising renewed concerns about his fitness and recovery.
This marks back-to-back first-round exits for the former Asian champion, who also fell to Leong Jun Hao in the Hong Kong Open just last week.
As for Leong Jun Hao, he delivered another impressive performance as he upset Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia in the first round of the 2025 China Masters.
In a match that lasted nearly one hour, Jun Hao stunned the Olympic bronze medalist 21-19, 5-21, 21-10 in a gripping three-set encounter.
“I played with more patience today. It wasn’t easy, especially with the drafty court conditions. He’s more experienced and good at snatching points,” Jun Hao told BWF after the win.
“After falling behind significantly in the second set, I chose to conserve energy and focus on the third.”
This victory marks Jun Hao’s second consecutive win over Ginting, leveling their head-to-head record at 2-2. The Malaysian will next face China’s Li Shifeng, who defeated him just last week in the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals.
What’s Next for Malaysia?
All eyes now turn to Leong Jun Hao as he seeks redemption against Li Shifeng in the second round—his chance to overturn last week’s quarter-final loss. Meanwhile, Zii Jia’s camp may need to reassess his injury management, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.
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