Badminton News: The last two editions of the Malaysia Open (2019 and 2022) have featured no local players in the final, but former champion Rashid Sidek thinks world number 2 Lee Zii Jia can change all that at the moment. ‘Axiata Arena next week.

Lee Chong Wei exited the Malaysian Open in style at the 2018 edition winning a record 12th men’s singles crown, but it was to be the last homegrown success local fans witnessed at the event.

Rashid, also a three-time champion (1990-92), said Zii Jia’s form may be inconsistent but the tournament, which takes place from January 10-15, gives him the best chance of winning on home soil.

Lee Zii Jia also got a good draw, according to Rashid, as he doesn’t have to worry about Indonesian duo Anthony Ginting and Jonathan Christie and favorite Viktor Axelsen from Denmark who are in the top half of the draw.

In the bottom half, Lee Zii Jia is favored to meet Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn or Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in the bottom four.

“It’s definitely a good opportunity for Zii Jia not only to reach the final but also to win the men’s singles title. The fans will be happy to see him win as they have been waiting so long to see a Malaysian champion since the Chong Wei’s retirement,” Rashid said.

“Axelsen will undoubtedly be a player to beat, but it’s not easy to stay in top form all the time. He had a great season last year and won so many titles, but he’s unbeatable and beatable.”

“Usually the first tournament of the year will have surprises where players will try to break through and win the title. Zii Jia, in his time, can beat anyone and he has to use home advantage.”

A tough first-round encounter against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka may present some danger, but Rashid believes Zii Jia will prevail.

Lee Zii Jia is also set to face compatriot Ng Tze Yong in the second round ahead of a possible quarter-final clash against Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen of India.

“Kodai will be playing at the Malaysian Open for the first time and it’s not easy to play in a stadium where the draft can be a nightmare for newcomers. Zii Jia has to fight him,” added Rashid.

“He shouldn’t be bothered by Lakshya who hasn’t done well since the Commonwealth Games.”

Chinese dangers Lu Guangzu, Li Shifeng and Zhao Junpeng are all crammed into the same round and will need to cross either Kean Yew or Kunlavut before setting up their semi-final clash against Zii Jia.

If Rashid’s prediction is correct, Malaysian fans might be thrilled to see their favorite players battle it out for the title at Axiata Arena on January 15.

Article tags: Lee Ziijia, Malaysian Open 2023

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