Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and world No. 6 Lee Zii Jia faced an unexpected setback on Tuesday (Aug 20). He was eliminated in the first round of the Japan Open in Yokohama. Zii Jia was defeated by the world No. 29 French teenager Alex Lanier with scores of 18-21, 13-21 in just 41 minutes. This loss occurred during the Super 750 tournament at the Yokohama Arena.
After winning the Olympic bronze medal, Zii Jia’s schedule became packed with radio interviews, social events, and a modeling appearance at a Bukit Bintang fashion show. This busy agenda occurred just before he departed for Japan.
Despite these distractions, Zii Jia’s participation shows his dedication to meeting the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) “Top Committed Player Obligations.” This commitment requires world’s top 15 singles players and top 10 doubles players to compete in all Super 1000 and Super 750 events unless there are valid reasons like injury or illness.
The Japan Open’s timing, shortly after the Olympics, resulted in a significant absence of elite players. In the men’s singles event, Olympic gold medallist Viktor Axelsen and silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn withdrew, along with top contenders Jonatan Christie and Li Shi Feng.
Lee Zii Jia Cites Physical Exhaustion for Early Exit in Japan Open
The Japan Open was Zii Jia’s first tournament since winning the medal in Paris two weeks ago.
After the match, Zii Jia took to Instagram to share insights into his condition.
“Hi guys, I have been feeling physically weak for the past few days since coming back from the Olympics, but skipping tournaments was not in the plan as long as I feel it would not harm me,” he wrote.
“I tried my best and fought through the match but my body didn’t allow me to perform to the best of my abilities.”
“I’m looking forward for a good rest and recovery before I play in the next tournament,” added Zii Jia, who is likely to play in the Korean Open from Aug 27-Sept 1.
Feeling the excitement? Don’t miss out on your chance to place a bet on Nova88 for the upcoming badminton matches! Explore the odds and make your move today!
