Titans Return: Lee Zii Jia and Axelsen Headline Stellar Top 10 Field for 2026 Malaysia Open
KUALA LUMPUR – The anticipation for the 2026 badminton season has reached a fever pitch with the release of the official M & Q (Main & Qualifying) report for the Petronas Malaysia Open 2026. As the season opener and a prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 event, the tournament is set to take place from January 6 to January 11, 2026.
The acceptance list, released on November 25, 2025, reveals a star-studded Men’s Singles lineup featuring the world’s elite shuttlers. However, the headline story for local fans and global observers alike is the high-profile return of two titans of the sport: Malaysia’s own Lee Zii Jia and Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen, both of whom are utilizing protected rankings to cement their places in the top tier of the draw.
The Return of the King: Lee Zii Jia’s Comeback
For the home crowd at the Axiata Arena, all eyes will be on national hero Lee Zii Jia. Entering the tournament as the 8th seed, Lee Zii Jia’s participation marks a significant milestone in his career. The M & Q report confirms that he is utilizing a Protected Ranking (noted with a “P” alongside his ranking points of 76,415) to secure his seeding.
This tournament signifies the official comeback of the Malaysian ace after months of recovery. His return to the court on home soil adds an emotional layer to the event, as fans have eagerly awaited his re-entry into top-tier competition. The protected ranking mechanism allows him to return to the Super 1000 stage without the penalty of his hiatus, setting up a potential blockbuster run for the home favorite.
The Danish Juggernaut: Axelsen’s Protected Entry
Joining Lee Zii Jia in utilizing the protected ranking system is the formidable Viktor Axelsen. Listed as the 4th seed in the acceptance list, Axelsen enters with a protected point tally of 89,710. Like Lee, the “P” designation next to his name in the official entry logs confirms his status. Axelsen’s presence ensures that the standard of play will be nothing short of world-class, as the Dane looks to reassert his dominance over the division after his own period away from regular tour competition.
The Top 3: Shi Yuqi Leads the Pack
While the narrative focuses on the returning stars, the top of the table is dominated by China’s Shi Yuqi. He enters the 2026 Malaysia Open as the undisputed world number one and top seed, boasting a massive 112,047 ranking points—the only player in the field to surpass the 100,000-point mark.
Trailing him is Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, who secures the second seed with 98,313 points, continuing his consistent form at the highest level. Rounding out the top three is Thailand’s World Champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, who enters with 96,179 points. The battle between these three active giants and the returning legends (Axelsen and Lee Zii Jia) promises tactical masterclasses throughout the week.
The Complete Top 10 Lineup
The depth of the field is further highlighted by the remaining players in the top 10, showcasing a mix of established veterans and Europe’s rising power.
- 5. Jonatan Christie (Indonesia): The Indonesian star remains a constant threat in Super 1000 events, entering with 84,124 points.
- 6. Li Shifeng (China): Representing the younger generation of Chinese dominance, Li enters with 82,728 points.
- 7. Chou Tien-chen (Chinese Taipei): The evergreen veteran continues to defy age, holding strong with 80,989 points.
- 9. Alex Lanier (France): In a sign of the shifting global landscape, French sensation Alex Lanier has cracked the top 10, entering as the 9th qualifier with 72,611 points.
- 10. Christo Popov (France): Making it a double celebration for France, Christo Popov rounds out the top 10 with 70,690 points.
With 53 active entries in the Men’s Singles category and reserves including heavyweights like India’s Prannoy H.S. and Kidambi Srikanth waiting in the wings, the 2026 Malaysia Open is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent history. The collision of the current top three, the rising French stars, and the protected-ranking powerhouses ensures that badminton fans are in for a spectacular start to the new year.
