As the Paris World Championships approach, the spotlight is firmly fixed on Malaysia’s enigmatic shuttler, Lee Zii Jia. After months away from the court, the big question remains — is he truly ready to compete at the highest level again?
The 25-year-old, once hailed as Malaysia’s brightest hope in men’s singles, has endured a turbulent year. A serious ankle injury sidelined him for five months, but as Zii Jia himself revealed in a candid interview with the Badminton World Federation, the challenges went far beyond the physical. He admitted to battling depression, loneliness, and deep self-doubt during his time away, opening up about the personal struggles that tested both his resilience and his love for the sport.
Now ranked world No. 52, a sharp fall from the heights he once occupied, Zii Jia steps into Paris knowing that every performance will be heavily scrutinized. His first-round opponent is South Korea’s world No. 38, Heo Kwang Hee. On paper, Zii Jia holds a clear edge, having won three of their four previous encounters. Yet the real test lies not in statistics but in whether the Malaysian can rediscover the sharpness, confidence, and attacking firepower that once made him one of the most feared players on the circuit.
Badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek believes the match could prove more difficult than expected. While acknowledging Zii Jia’s superior talent, Razif cautioned that five months away from competition can erode rhythm and confidence, making even a familiar opponent dangerous. “In his prime, he wouldn’t have had to worry,” Razif said, “but now, every point will be a challenge. The key is whether he can find his footing quickly.”
For Zii Jia, this match is more than just a step in the tournament — it is a statement. Fans who have long supported him through highs and lows are eager to see signs that their hero is ready to rise again. The Paris World Championships represent both a personal comeback and an opportunity to rebuild his reputation after early-round exits and inconsistency plagued his recent seasons.
Meanwhile, other Malaysians are also preparing to make their mark in Paris. Men’s doubles pair Wan Arif Junaidi and Yap Roy King, ranked world No. 22, are set for their World Championships debut against Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi and Hiroki Okamura. The tie is especially intriguing as the Japanese duo are coached by former Malaysian star Lee Wan Wah. For Arif and Roy King, who recently captured the Macau Open, this is a chance to show they belong among the world’s elite.
As for Zii Jia, the stage could not be bigger. The Adidas Arena will be filled with fans eager to see whether he has overcome not only his injury but also the mental battles he so openly described. For a player once tipped to carry Malaysia’s badminton hopes, this is a defining moment.
The question remains: will Paris mark the rebirth of Lee Zii Jia as a world-class contender, or will it expose just how far he still has to go?
