Zii Jia concedes walkover to Ginting in Singapore Open

PETALING JAYA: Men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has conceded a walkover in the first round of the Singapore Open against Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting on Wednesday (May 29) after sustaining hamstring injuries.

World No. 9 Zii Jia, who captured the Thailand Open title two weeks ago, was struggling with cramps throughout the Malaysian Masters but pushed himself to finish runners-up to Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen on Sunday (May 26).

The effort though seems to have taken its toll, as the 26-year-old independent player will now have to sit out the Singapore tourney.

“It is a difficult decision having to concede a walkover at the Singapore Open but after medical assessment, Zii Jia was advised not to participate due to hamstring injuries sustained during the Thailand Open and Malaysian Masters,” read a statement released by Team LZJ via social media.

“Focus for Zii Jia’s programme will now shift towards rehabilitation.”

Zii Jia’s participation in the Indonesian Open, which starts on June 4 is now uncertain.

Meanwhile, fellow Malaysian, world No. 36 Leong Jun Hao will now take on world No. 7 Ginting in the second round on Thursday (May 30).