Zii Jia: Lack of fitness and slow movement cost me the match [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: It was an emotional day for Lee Zii Jia at the Malaysia Open as the independent shuttler soaked in the overwhelming support and affection from his fans despite a straight-games defeat on Tuesday.

The former All England champion, now ranked world No. 144 and playing his first tournament since the China Masters in September, admitted he was still far from his best after losing 21-12, 21-17 to India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty in 33 minutes at the Axiata Arena.

"The fans are still very patient with me and very supportive. This is something I really miss," said Zii Jia, who did not compete in last year's Malaysia Open or Malaysia Masters.

"So it's definitely a positive that I can come back, compete, complete a full match without injury and feel no pain. I think that's the most important thing.

"However, I'm still not 100 per cent yet, and I'm not very satisfied with my performance today."

Zii Jia acknowledged the challenge posed by Ayush, whom he described as a rising force on the circuit.

"I know my opponent is not easy to play against. Last year his results were quite good — he's considered an upcoming, rising star," he said.

Roared on by the home crowd, Zii Jia showed flashes of his trademark attacking game in the second game, producing a handful of thunderous smashes, but conceded that his physical condition remains a major hurdle.

"My movement was slow and it was probably only about 50 to 60 per cent of my performance. Out of 10, I would give myself about five," he added.

"I don't think there was much else I could do today. I already tried my best, especially in the second game.

"I tried to change my tactics, but physically you can see it's still not enough. I'm not quite fit yet, so there are still many things I need to work on."

Despite the setback, Zii Jia remains optimistic that better days are ahead.

"I still need to work harder and hopefully at the India Open, I can show more and improve in all these areas," he said.