Swiss Open: Zii Jia overcomes first-round hurdle

Malaysian shuttler clinches victory in straight sets, advances to second round

Lee Zii Jia will face a formidable opponent in the second round, India's Srikanth Kidambi, in tomorrow's match. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, March 20, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – Independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia got over his first-round hurdle to advance to the second round of the Swiss Open at the St Jakobshalle Arena today.

The world number 10 was made to sweat a little in the first set by world number 32 Su Li-yang from Chinese Taipei, but eventually won in straight sets, 21-19, 21-12.

The Kedahan is coming off a quarter-final appearance at the All England Open Championships last week and is looking to better his performance at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.

He will have a tough task ahead in the second round with Srikanth Kidambi from India waiting for him tomorrow.

Zii Jia has a 4-1 record against the Indian shuttler and should get past the tricky Srikanth.

However, he could face the man who sent him home last week, Lakshya Sen, in the quarter-finals.

Lakshya is taking on national singles shuttler, Leong Jun Hao, for a slot in the second round.

Zii Jia is a two-time semi-finalist at the Super 300 Swiss Open. – March 20, 2024