Badminton: Lee Zii Jia Out of Action for a While
Ranking Protection Requested due to Right Ankle Injury
Kuala Lumpur, March 24 (Bernama) – Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia may be out of action for a while as his team, Team LZJ, has successfully applied for his ranking protection under the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Reason for Request
Team LZJ, in a statement today, said the move was taken after careful consideration and advice from relevant parties, including medical experts. "This is to allow Zii Jia to continue in his recovery from a right ankle injury and (he) will miss the forthcoming tournaments, including the Badminton Asia Championships," it said.
Rehabilitation and Training Programme
"Rest assured we are doing our best to aid Zii Jia in his rehabilitation and training programme. His return to competitive on-court action will depend on his recovery," it added.
Fan and Sponsor Appreciation
Team LZJ thanked fans and sponsors for their unwavering support for the world’s number eight player.
Background on Ranking Protection
Ranking protection can be requested by any player who falls ill or suffers an injury which prevents them from competing for three to 12 months. Once in effect, it will protect the players’ original rankings so they can register for BWF World Tour tournaments when they return to fitness. However, this privilege can only be used according to the duration of the player’s rest period or up to a maximum of six months.
Conclusion
Lee Zii Jia’s ranking protection request is a precautionary measure to ensure his well-being and allow him to recover from his right ankle injury. The Badminton World Federation’s ranking protection policy is in place to support players who fall ill or suffer injuries, allowing them to maintain their original rankings and compete in future tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ranking protection in badminton?
A: Ranking protection is a policy that allows players who fall ill or suffer injuries to maintain their original rankings and compete in future tournaments.
Q: How long can a player request ranking protection?
A: A player can request ranking protection for three to 12 months, with the option to use the privilege up to a maximum of six months.
Q: What is the purpose of ranking protection?
A: The purpose of ranking protection is to support players who fall ill or suffer injuries, allowing them to maintain their original rankings and compete in future tournaments.
Q: How does ranking protection benefit players?
A: Ranking protection benefits players by allowing them to maintain their original rankings, register for BWF World Tour tournaments, and return to competitive play when they recover from their injuries or illnesses.