Malaysia’s top men’s singles badminton player, Lee Zii Jia, has officially withdrawn from the Malaysian Open, set to take place next week. The announcement was made by Team LZJ on Friday, January 3, citing that the world No. 6 has not fully recovered from a prior injury.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce Zii Jia will not be able to appear at the BWF World Tour 2025 season opener and home tournament, the Malaysian Open,” stated Team LZJ. “Zii Jia unfortunately has not fully recovered from the right ankle ligament injury sustained during the World Tour Finals in December 2024. His participation in the Indian Open and Indonesian Masters scheduled in January 2025 is also under consideration, pending his full recovery.”
Zii Jia had been slated to face Taiwan’s Su Li-yang in the opening round of the tournament, scheduled to run from January 7-12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil. With his withdrawal, Leong Jun Hao remains the sole Malaysian representative in the men’s singles category and will compete against China’s Lu Guangzu in the first round.
Antonsen on Zii Jia’s Absence at Malaysia Open
World No. 2 Anders Antonsen, who has a strong connection to Malaysia as a frequent training destination, expressed his thoughts on Lee’s withdrawal. Antonsen, a close friend of Lee, remarked that this year’s Malaysia Open will feel different without the participation of the Malaysian star.
“It’s a shame he got injured during the WTF,” Antonsen told the New Straits Times after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara. “Zii Jia would have loved to play on home soil. He is a close friend, and I hope to see him back in action soon.”
Lee sustained the injury during a group match against China’s Li Shi Feng at the World Tour Finals on December 13. Despite advancing to the semi-finals in Hangzhou, he was forced to withdraw due to the injury.
Antonsen, who is the defending Malaysia Open champion, commended the ABM’s facilities, which he frequently uses while competing in Asia. “The facilities here are great. The hall is nice, and it’s not easy to find such good conditions while travelling in Asia. I really appreciate coming here,” he stated. “There are also some good players here, and I occasionally spar with them.”
Lee’s rivalry with Antonsen has been marked by spirited encounters, including a quarter-final victory at the Malaysia Masters Super 500 last year, a triumph en route to winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and another win at the World Tour Finals.
Antonsen hopes their rivalry resumes soon, potentially at the All England in March, though it remains uncertain whether Lee will also miss the Indian Open (January 14-19) and the Indonesia Masters (January 21-26).
Photo: BWF
