BUKIT JALIL: Former Asian champion Lee Zii Jia has admitted that fears over his steep slide in the world rankings pushed him to press ahead with competing in the Malaysian Open, which begins on Tuesday (Jan 6).
Despite still having around two months remaining under the protected world ranking he applied for with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Zii Jia felt he could not afford to wait any longer.
The 2025 season proved challenging for the shuttler, who endured a series of injuries that forced him to withdraw from numerous tournaments and focus on rehabilitation.
As the weeks and months passed during his recovery, his world ranking continued to slip gradually from No. 8 to his current position of No. 144.
Unhappy with the situation and unwilling to see his ranking fall further, Zii Jia decided to take the risk of returning to competition, despite having only recently recovered from a back injury.
Moreover, the Malaysian Open, the first tournament of the BWF World Tour calendar, provides players with an opportunity to collect valuable ranking points.
“I’m not sure whether I am 100% fit. However, from both physical and mental aspects, my team has given the green light for me to compete in tournaments.
“I think everyone knows that I will be competing in all four tournaments in January. It’s tough for me, but it will be a test to see whether I am ready to come back.
“There are a lot of points on offer here at the Malaysian Open and my ranking has dropped a lot. So whether I want it or not, I have to compete in tournaments to improve my ranking,” said Zii Jia.
He has also set his sights on returning to the world’s top 20 this year to strengthen his chances of qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics, with the qualification process set to begin next year.
“My target for this year is to get back into the top 20, or even the top 15 if possible, because next year we know that Olympic qualification will almost be starting. So definitely, this is my main target,” he added.
Zii Jia was spotted testing the courts at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Sunday (Jan 4), accompanied by his coaches Yeoh Kay Bin and Liew Daren.
The one and a half hour session also provided encouraging signs, with Zii Jia looking in good condition ahead of his opening round match against India’s Ayush Shetty.
