Zii Jia to miss Super 1000 Malaysia Open?

The men’s singles star’s participation in the upcoming tournament is in doubt as he battles a right ankle ligament injury sustained at the World Tour Finals

6:23 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian men’s singles star Lee Zii Jia faces a race against time to recover for next month’s Super 1000 Malaysia Open following a right ankle ligament injury sustained at the recent World Tour Finals in Hangzhou.

In an official statement, his professional team, Team LZJ confirmed today that the injury, diagnosed after scans in China and Malaysia, is “manageable” but will require careful monitoring.

“The team’s priority is to get Zii Jia back to full health and peak physical condition before he returns to the court,” the statement read.

For context, 26-year-old Zii Jia was set to qualify for the World Tour Finals semi-finals, before he was forced to retire in his third and final Group A match against China’s Li Shi Feng. Zii Jia was leading 22-20, 15-11 when he threw in the towel.

Notably, ligament injuries can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to heal, depending on severity.

This raises concerns about Zii Jia’s participation in the season-opening Malaysia Open, scheduled from January 7 to 12 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

“His training programme and tournament plan for the upcoming season will be based on close examination of the team and medical advice,” the statement added.

The Malaysia Open is a crucial tournament for Zii Jia, offering significant ranking points and a chance to perform in front of home fans. However, his long-term fitness remains the team’s primary concern.

The announcement comes at a crucial juncture for the shuttler, who is expected to start the new season with a new coach after it was confirmed earlier that he will no longer continue under Wong Tat Meng. — December 15, 2024

Topics

 

Popular

Sarjit admits tough Australia tour key to Speedy Tigers’ growth

National coach prioritises player development over results in challenging six-match series

Vehicles plough into pedestrians in vicious hit-and-run attack near Old Klang Road

Two individuals left injured as sedan and pickup truck deliberately ram into group, police probe attempted murder

Budget 2025: KBS urged to collaborate with KPKT for grassroots talent development

National junior hockey coach calls for increased funding and joint efforts between Youth and Sports Ministry and Housing and Local Government Ministry to utilise underused facilities and nurture future athletes for the 2027 SEA Games

Related