Arctic Open 2026: Lee Zii Jia reaching Round of 16

Lee Zii Jia advanced to the second round of the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 Arctic Open on Wednesday, beating China's Dong Tian Yao 21-18, 21-14. Two Malaysian men's doubles pairs also won to give the country three entries in the last 16.

Lee's win after 42 minutes played. It was also a measure of revenge, as Dong had beaten him in the Orleans Masters qualifying round seven months ago. Lee has had to take the long road in Finland. Ranked world No. 56 after early exits at the Korea Masters and Vietnam Open, he started in qualifying, then beat Finland's Kalle Koljonen in straight games to reach the main draw. The tournament has happy memories for him, as he won the title three years ago, beating compatriot Ng Tze Yong in the final, and he is the only Malaysian men's singles player left in Vantaa after four compatriots withdrew. His next opponent is Taiwan's Su Li Yang, who beat compatriot Lin Chun Yi 21-17, 21-6.

In men's doubles, Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King won the all-Malaysian clash, beating Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong 21-12, 21-13. The result sends the younger pair through at the expense of the veteran duo. Tai and Yap now meet Taiwan's Lai Po Yu and Tsai Fu Cheng, who beat Denmark's Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen 21-15, 21-17.

Chia Wei Jie and Teo Ee Yi were the most dominant of the day, taking the first and second games both 21-12 against Lithuania's Danielius Berzanskis and Domas Paksys.

The derby leaves Malaysia with two of its three men's doubles pairs in the draw, alongside Lee in men's singles, as the Arctic Open moves into the round of 16.

Credit Photo : BAT