Zii Jia swaps Christmas turkey for training ahead of Malaysia Open

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia is leaving nothing to chance as he prepares for a high-profile return to the World Tour after an injury-hit 2025 season.

The men's singles star even trained on Christmas Day, underlining his determination to make a strong comeback at the Malaysia Open next month.

Zii Jia also took time to inspire junior shuttlers at Sports Arena Sentosa today (Dec 25), where Petaling Badminton Club chief coach Kwan Yoke Meng is running a five-day Christmas training camp.

Yoke Meng shared a photo of the independent shuttler alongside the juniors and thanked the former All England champion for allowing them to watch his training session.

"Zii Jia was kind enough to let players from our programme observe his training and get inspired," said Yoke Meng, a former national coach.

"It was a special moment for our young players. He also took a group photo with them after training, making it a rare and memorable experience.

"We wish him all the best for the upcoming Malaysia Open."

Zii Jia's decision to train even on Christmas Day is seen as a strong signal that he is ready to return at the Malaysia Open, scheduled at the Axiata Arena from Jan 6-11, the curtain-raiser of the 2026 World Tour.

The Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist was sidelined for much of 2025 due to a right ankle injury and ongoing back problems, limiting him to just five tournaments.

As a result, his world ranking has slipped to No. 144.

However, he qualified for the Super 1000 home event using his protected ranking of No. 9.

Zii Jia's return is eagerly anticipated by Malaysian fans, with the 27-year-old remaining the country's most popular shuttler and commanding a massive social media following.

World No. 30 Leong Jun Hao has also qualified for the Malaysia Open, which has attracted many top names.

However, two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark will miss the tournament as he continues his recovery from back surgery.