Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia is set to make a comeback at the 2025 Orleans Masters, scheduled from March 4 to 9 at the Palais des Sports in Orléans, France. According to the M & Q Report released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Friday, January 31, 2025, Lee is the top seed in the men’s singles category.
Lee’s return to the court comes after a two-month hiatus due to a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the BWF World Tour Finals in December 2024. The injury forced him to withdraw from his final group match against China’s Li Shifeng. At the time, Lee was leading 22-20, 13-5 when he landed awkwardly, resulting in the injury. He attempted to continue but ultimately had to retire from the match.
Following the injury, Lee focused on recovery and rehabilitation. His team emphasized the importance of returning to full health before resuming competition. As a result, Lee withdrew from several tournaments, including the Malaysia Open, India Open, and Indonesia Masters in January 2025, to prioritize his recovery.
The 2025 Orleans Masters marks Lee’s first tournament since his injury. As a BWF World Tour Super 300 event, it offers valuable ranking points and a prize pool of USD 240,000. Lee’s participation as the top seed underscores his readiness to return to high-level competition.
Lee Zii Jia, currently ranked world number seven, has had a notable career with significant achievements. In 2024, he secured two titles and earned a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His return to the court is highly anticipated by fans and the badminton community, who are eager to see him compete at the highest level once again.
The Orleans Masters will feature a competitive field, and as the top seed, Lee is expected to face strong opponents. His performance will be closely watched as an indicator of his recovery and readiness for the demanding season ahead.
Lee’s comeback is not only significant for his career but also for Malaysian badminton, as he remains one of the country’s top players. His return adds excitement to the tournament and offers fans the opportunity to witness his exceptional skills on the court once more.
As the tournament approaches, Lee’s preparation and fitness will be crucial factors in his performance. The badminton community will be keen to see how he fares against international competition after his recovery period.
In conclusion, Lee Zii Jia’s return to competitive badminton at the 2025 Orleans Masters as the top seed is a significant milestone in his career. After a two-month hiatus due to injury, his participation signals a successful recovery and a readiness to reestablish himself among the world’s elite players. Fans and supporters will undoubtedly be eager to see him back in action, competing at the highest level.
Photo: BWF
