Injury Forces Lee Zii Jia to Withdraw from Badminton World Tour Finals
Lee Zii Jia, the world’s number eight men’s singles shuttler, has suffered a right ankle ligament injury that forced him to withdraw from his final Group A match against Li Shi Feng at the 2024 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China on Friday (Dec 13).
Details of the Injury
A statement from his team, lzj, confirmed that the injury is manageable, but required immediate attention. The team’s priority is to get Zii Jia back to full health and peak physical condition before he returns to the court. This will involve close examination and medical advice, with training and tournament plans adjusted accordingly.
Injury Incurred During Match
The injury is believed to have occurred when Zii Jia was leading 15-11 in the second game against Shi Feng, with the score at 13-5. Although he had taken the first game 22-20, he was not allowed immediate treatment by tournament officials before the second game was eventually stopped and he was taken off the court in a wheelchair. The BWF rules dictate that players must wait until the break to receive medical attention, with all results nullified if a player concedes a walkover.
Current Status and Future Plans
Zii Jia, a bronze medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has won his two earlier Group A matches, defeating Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen 21-13, 21-15 and Denmark’s world number two Anders Antonsen 21-14, 21-19.
The team is committed to Zii Jia’s rehabilitation and will continue to work closely with medical professionals to ensure his recovery. An updated training program and tournament plan will be implemented when he is fit to resume competition.
Conclusion
Lee Zii Jia’s withdrawal from the tournament is a significant blow for the Malaysian badminton team, but his safety and well-being are of utmost importance. With prompt medical attention and a customized rehabilitation plan, he should be back in action in no time, ready to take on the world once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the extent of Lee Zii Jia’s injury?
A: The injury is a manageable right ankle ligament sprain.
Q: Can Zii Jia participate in future tournaments?
A: His participation will be dependent on his rehabilitation and medical clearance.
Q: Will Zii Jia’s training and tournament plan be affected by the injury?
A: Yes, his training program and tournament plan will be adjusted according to his recovery progress.