!['Rusty' Zii Jia suffers early Malaysia Open exit as comeback stalls [WATCH]](https://assets.nst.com.my/images/socialmedia/C7F3B74BC82309AEC51613D24CBB3173_data_3.jpg)
'Rusty' Zii Jia suffers early Malaysia Open exit as comeback stalls [WATCH]
Published: Jan 06, 2026
Lily
Writer
KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia’s long-awaited return ended in disappointment as he fell short in front of the home crowd, extending his search for a first win in 10 months.
KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia's long-awaited return ended in disappointment as he fell short in front of the home crowd, extending his search for a first win in 10 months.
The former world No. 2 — now down to No. 144 — never quite found his rhythm and lost 21-12, 21-17 to India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty at the Axiata Arena on Tuesday.
The defeat inevitably raises fresh questions about his direction from here, especially with his protected-ranking window expiring and entry into major tournaments now dependent on rebuilding his real-time ranking.
