NEW DELHI, Jan 18 — Malaysia’s professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia is pleased as punch after his come-from-behind 20 – 22, 21 – 19, 21 – 12 first-round win over Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in the India Open here today.
Zii Jia deserves praise for fighting back from a first-game setback to win the 63-minute battle at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall.
It was a performance that even he was thrilled about, especially after his shocking first-round exit at the recent Malaysia Open.
“I am trying to get back my form as soon as possible,” said the 25-year-old Zii Jia, who also described the fan support here as ‘amazing’.
Meanwhile, national independent men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin – Teo Ee Yi had no problems disposing off Japan’s Akira Koga – Taichi Saito 21 – 15, 21 – 15 in 39 minutes.
The Malaysian pair will meet either Frenchmen Christo Popov – Toma Junior Popov or Thais Supak Jomkoh – Kittinupong Kedren in the second round tomorrow.
National women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan – M. Thinaah followed in the footsteps of Zii Jia when they too made amends for crashing out in the first round of the Malaysia Open by downing India’s Ashwini Bhat-Shikha Gautam 21 – 8, 21 – 11.
“We just want to regain our momentum and rhythm,” said Pearly.
Meanwhile, there was no such luck for Ng Tze Yong when he lost 19 – 21, 14 – 21 to China’s Li Shi Feng in their men’s singles first round.
— Bernama
