Zii Jia rejects back surgery to make comeback at Malaysia Open [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Lee Zii Jia rejected medical advice for back surgery in favour of rehabilitation to save his career following an injury-plagued season that saw his world ranking plummet to 144.

The former All England champion, who featured in only five World Tour tournaments last year, is set to return at the season-opening Malaysia Open starting Tuesday at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil.

Zii Jia revealed he underwent a successful rehabilitation programme to prepare for the Super 1000 tournament after a back injury forced him to withdraw from several events after the China Masters in September.

"I just focused on rehab. Luckily, I didn't need to go as far as surgery. There was a doctor who suggested it, but if I had gone through with it, I don't think you would see me here," said Zii Jia after testing the courts at Axiata Arena on Sunday.

"Surgery was not in my plan if possible. I tried to find another way and fortunately, rehab worked.

"With surgery, we don't know what the consequences would be. I feel excited to come back, but I also need to be very careful as it's been four months since I last competed."

Zii Jia played only two tournaments in the first half of last year due to a right ankle injury suffered at the 2024 World Tour Finals, before the back injury ended his comeback attempt at the China Masters.

Despite his physical and mental condition remaining untested, Zii Jia said his team has cleared him to play four consecutive tournaments starting this week.

"I'm not sure whether I'm 100 per cent fit to be back, but my team gave the green light. I'll be competing in all four tournaments in January. It's tough, but it's a test to see if I am fit to be back," said Zii Jia.

Following the Malaysia Open, Zii Jia will compete in the India Open, Indonesia Masters, and Thailand Masters over three consecutive weeks.

The former national No. 1 said he is not looking as far ahead as a potential second-round clash against China's world No. 1 Shi Yuqi.

"It's been a long time since I last played and I am coming back from injury, but that's not an excuse.

"Everyone who competes here carries some pressure or even injuries they may not reveal. I respect all the players and will try my best," Zii Jia added.

Zii Jia faces India's world No. 32 Ayush Shetty in the first round on Tuesday.

It will be the first meeting between the two, with the 20-year-old Indian player making his Super 1000 debut.