Badminton: Lee Zii Jia Withdraws from BWF World Tour Finals Due to Ankle Injury
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 — The hopes of local badminton fans to see Lee Zii Jia continue his participation in the 2024 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China were dashed after the national men’s singles player was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury.
Injury Forces Zii Jia to Withdraw
In his final group match against China’s Li Shi Feng, Zii Jia was leading 15-11 in the second set when he had to retire, with the injury believed to have occurred when the score was 13-5. Despite already securing a place in the semi-finals following two victories over Taiwan’s Chou Tien Chen and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen, Zii Jia will no longer feature in the round.
TeamLZJ Confirms Withdrawal
In the meantime, TeamLZJ on X (formerly Twitter) informed that Zii Jia was currently receiving the necessary medical treatment. "Lee Zii Jia’s participation at the #BWFWorldTourFinals2024 has unfortunately ended due to a right ankle injury," the statement read.
Other Malaysian Players Perform Well
Meanwhile, national men’s doubles pair, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, successfully advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Olympic gold medallists Lee Yang-Wang Chi Lin of Taiwan, 24-22, 21-12.
On the other hand, national men’s doubles pair, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, failed to advance to the semi-finals after finishing third in Group B. In their final Group B match, the former world champions lost 16-21, 16-21 to Indonesian pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama-Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, in 41 minutes. Following the result, Sabar Karyaman and Moh Reza emerged as runners-up and will join their teammates, Fajar Alfian-Muhammad Rian Ardianto, who topped Group B, in the semi-finals.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of Lee Zii Jia due to injury is a blow to Malaysian badminton fans, but the country’s other players have still managed to perform well in the tournament. Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani’s victory in the men’s doubles and the success of other Malaysian players are a testament to the country’s badminton talent and potential.
FAQs
Q: Why did Lee Zii Jia withdraw from the BWF World Tour Finals?
A: Lee Zii Jia withdrew due to an ankle injury sustained during his final group match against China’s Li Shi Feng.
Q: Who will replace Lee Zii Jia in the tournament?
A: There is no official announcement on who will replace Lee Zii Jia in the tournament.
Q: What is the current standing of the Malaysian players in the tournament?
A: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani has advanced to the semi-finals in the men’s doubles, while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik finished third in Group B.