Lee Zii Jia continued his promising resurgence after booking a place in the main draw of the Thailand Open with a convincing straight-games victory in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The Malaysian shuttler defeated Taiwan’s Liao Jhuo Fu 21-16, 21-13 in the qualifying round at Nimibutr Stadium to secure his first main draw appearance since the Swiss Open in March.
The performance further highlighted Zii Jia’s improving form after a difficult spell affected by injuries and inconsistent results earlier this season.
The former All England champion entered the Thailand Open carrying confidence from an unbeaten run at the recent Thomas Cup Finals in Denmark, and he looked sharp throughout the match against Liao.
The tournament also holds positive memories for Zii Jia, who captured the Thailand Open title in 2022.
The world No. 67 now faces Israel’s Daniil Dubovenko in the opening round of the main draw, with a potential second-round meeting against Taiwan veteran Chou Tien Chen awaiting if he progresses.
There was also encouraging news regarding next week’s Malaysia Masters, with Zii Jia moving up to first reserve for the tournament in Kuala Lumpur. The development increases his chances of competing on home soil.
In the men’s doubles qualifying event, Malaysia’s newly formed pair Choong Hon Jian and Wong Vin Sean advanced after fighting back to beat Thailand’s Kittinupong Kedren and Lucas Ekarat Wedler 14-21, 21-12, 21-15.
The duo will next face Taiwanese brothers Lee Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen for a place in the main draw.
However, it was the end of the road for Malaysian pair Lau Yi Sheng and Lim Tze Jian, who were defeated 21-10, 21-14 by China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu.
