World No. 4, Lee Zii Jia, has successfully secured his place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Arctic Open, overcoming a tough challenge from Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in a thrilling second-round match held in Vantaa, Finland. As the defending champion, Zii Jia showcased his skill and resilience, taking the match with a 21-11, 21-18 victory in just 42 minutes.
While Zii Jia dominated the first game, he faced a formidable challenge in the second, where he had to recover from a five-point deficit. Tanaka, ranked World No. 30, put up a strong resistance, but Zii Jia’s composure and ability to handle pressure helped him secure the win. This victory marks Zii Jia’s first appearance in the quarter-finals of the World Tour since earning a bronze medal in men’s singles at the Paris Olympics in August 2024.
In the upcoming quarter-final, Zii Jia is set to face Japan’s Watanabe Koki, who defeated China’s Lu Guangzu in his own second-round match. The clash between Zii Jia and Watanabe will be their third career meeting. Notably, Watanabe has won their previous encounters, including a victory in the first round of the China Open earlier this year and at the 2023 Swiss Open.
Lee Zii Jia’s performance continues to captivate badminton fans around the world as he aims to defend his Arctic Open title. The upcoming quarter-final promises to be an exciting showdown between two talented players.