Olympics-bound shuttler takes positives from third-round defeat

PETALING JAYA: Road to Gold’s Lee Zii Jia is staying upbeat despite crashing out in the men’s singles third round of the World Championships.

The independent shuttler went down 18-21, 17-21 to homester Anders Antonsen of Denmark at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen on Thursday after enjoying two good early-round matches.

It was world No. 13 Zii Jia’s fourth defeat in five meetings to Antonsen, who is currently ranked one rung higher than him.

Antonsen also ended Zii Jia’s run at the 2021 world meet in Huelva, Spain, but under different circumstances as the latter had to concede a walkover in the rubber game due to a huge blister in his foot.

The 25-year-old Zii Jia admitted that he lost to a better player on the day but feels that he is on the comeback trail under the guidance of coach Wong Tat Meng.

“Of course, I have to admit Anders played better today (Thursday),” said Zii Jia.

“I tried everything I could but this is the result and I have to accept it and I have no regrets.

“Like I’ve said before, this is part of the process and I have to go through it.

“At least, I was still able to beat one of the top 10 players and this means I can be one of them one day again and this is the positive side (in this tournament).

“I will be ready for my upcoming tournaments.”

Zii Jia had claimed a creditable 21-13, 21-15 victory over Indonesia’s world No. 5 Jonatan Christie in the first round and went on to beat Canada’s Brian Yang 21-11, 21-16 in the second round.

The former All-England winner’s mixed fortunes in the world meet, however, is good enough for him to remain in the Road to Gold programme, where he is hoping to come good at the Paris Olympic Games next year.

Zii Jia is still the best player in the country and based on his recent positive form and attitude on court, one can expect him to get back in the world’s top 10 in no time.

He will next turn his attention to the China Open from Sept 5-10 in Changzhou.

Meanwhile, Antonsen was glad to come through the match unscathed in front of his home fans.

“Lee is a very dangerous player,” said Antonsen.

“He did well in the recent Australian Open and has been playing some good badminton here too.

“I was expecting a very tough version of Zii Jia today (Thursday).

“So, I’m super satisfied with the win and I’m looking forward to my next match,” added Antonsen will play Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto next for a place in the semi-finals.