Zii Jia out to end first round jinx at India Open

KUALA LUMPUR: Independent shuttler Lee Zii Jia, after a dismal comeback at the Malaysia Open last week, will try to improve his plummeted world ranking at the India Open in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Ankle and back injuries restricted Zii Jia to just seven competitive matches last year, during which his world ranking slid to No. 144.

Zii Jia's hope of clearing the first round at the Axiata Arena was not fruitful as he suffered a straight-games defeat to India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty.

The Malaysian will be looking for better fortune in a first-round clash against Denmark's world No. 27 Rasmus Gemke.

However, a poor 4-0 head-to-head record and rustiness are unlikely to aid Zii Jia's cause, although he will be determined to snap a sixth consecutive first-round exit when he takes on Gemke.

Meanwhile, the withdrawal of world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China from the India Open has paved the way for Justin Hoh to make his Super 750 debut in New Delhi.

An unspecified injury forced Yu Qi to concede a walkover in the second game of the Malaysia Open men's singles final against Thailand's world No. 2 Kunlavut Vitidsarn on Sunday.

World No. 39 Justin will face a tough task against China's world No. 16 Lu Guangzu in the first round on Wednesday.

Also playing on Wednesday is world No. 28 Leong Jun Hao, who will be aiming to avoid a first-round exit against the much-improved Japan world No. 19 Yushi Tanaka.

In the men's doubles, the withdrawal of South Korean world No. 91 Kim Gi Jung–Kim Sa Rang has given world No. 36 Aaron Tai-Kang Khai Xing the opportunity to make their Super 750 debut.

Aaron-Khai Xing won the Syed Modi International and the Guwahati Masters in India last month.

However, they are unlikely to enjoy a similar run as they face world No. 2 compatriots Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, who finished runners-up at the recent Malaysia Open, in the first round on Wednesday.

World No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun will begin their campaign on Tuesday in an all-Malaysia opening clash against independent world No. 28 Nur Mohd Azriyn Ayudeb-Tan Wee Kiong.