KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 National number one men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s quest for his maiden final appearance of the season at the Australia Open badminton championship ended in the semi-finals today.
The world number 17 faced the setback as he went down 19 – 21, 21 – 13, 13 – 21, after an 81-minute battle against Weng Hong Yang of China at the Quaycentre Arena in Sydney.
The world number 24 Weng is set to face the winner in the clash of two Indian shuttlers — HS Prannoy and Priyanshu Rajawat — in the final tomorrow.
With Lee’s defeat, the country’s challenge Down Under came to an end, as men’s doubles reigning world champions Aaron Chia – Soh Wooi Yik were stunned 15 – 21, 17 – 21 by Lu Ching Yao – Yang Po Han of Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals yesterday.
Lee advanced to the semi-finals after beating compatriot Ng Tze Yong 17 – 21, 26 – 24, 21 – 19, while Weng upset fifth seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei 21 – 10, 21 – 16.
Despite the setback, there is hope for Lee to get back to winning ways, as this is the first time he could clear his first-round obstacle since his second-round exit in the Malaysia Masters in May. He has since then faced first-round eliminations in four consecutive tournaments — the Singapore Open, the Indonesia Open, the Korea Open, and the Japan Open.
Lee’s best achievement in the World Tour this year was reaching the semi-finals of the All England and Swiss Open from 11 tournaments he played before the Australian Open.
— Bernama
