Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, Lee Zii Jia, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming BWF World Tour 2025 season opener, the Malaysia Open, which is set to take place next week at the Axiata Arena.
The decision comes as the 26-year-old continues his recovery from a right ankle ligament injury sustained during the BWF World Tour Finals in December 2024. In a statement released by Team LZJ via social media today, it was confirmed that Zii Jia has yet to fully regain fitness.
“His participation in the India Open and Indonesia Masters, scheduled for later in January 2025, is also under consideration, pending his full recovery,” the statement read, highlighting the team’s cautious approach to ensuring Zii Jia’s long-term health and performance.
The world number six had been slated to face Taiwan’s Su Li Yang in the opening round of the Malaysia Open, a Super 1000 tournament and one of the most prestigious events on the BWF calendar.
Zii Jia’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by Malaysian fans, who were eager to see him improve on his performance from last year’s edition. In 2024, he suffered an early exit after losing a three-game battle to China’s Lu Guang Zu (21-16, 19-21, 15-21), a result that left him hungry for redemption this year.
Zii Jia’s withdrawal underlines the importance of prioritizing his recovery to avoid aggravating the injury. The India Open and Indonesia Masters, both significant stops on the BWF World Tour, now hang in the balance as his team monitors his progress.
With a packed schedule ahead, including qualification campaigns for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the decision reflects a strategic move to ensure Zii Jia is in peak condition for key tournaments later in the year.
Fans and fellow players alike have rallied behind the shuttler, wishing him a speedy recovery. Known for his powerful smashes and aggressive playstyle, Zii Jia remains one of Malaysia’s brightest hopes in the badminton world.
Although his absence from the Malaysia Open 2025 is a setback, Lee Zii Jia’s focus on recovery could pave the way for a strong comeback. With several high-stakes tournaments on the horizon, including other Super 1000 events and Olympic qualifiers, all eyes will be on his return to the court.
Credit Photo : VICTOR Malaysia
