KUALA LUMPUR – Top shuttler Lee Zii Jia sent world number 29 Mark Caljouw home after defeating him 19-21, 21-13, 21-8 in his first round of the German Open at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Muelheim An Der Ruhr earlier today.
Both players went toe-to-toe in the first set but the Dutchman managed to prevail and win the opening set.
However, Zii Jia bounced back and claimed the second set, forcing a showdown in the third set.
He kept the momentum going and secured his spot in the round of 16 after beating Caljouw in the rubber set.
Zii Jia is the only Malaysian men’s singles player competing in the tournament after compatriot Ng Tze Yong pulled out of the tournament due to a minor injury.
Yesterday, Malaysia suffered two losses out of four matches with mixed doubles pairs Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Ong Yew Sin-Goh Liu Ying crashing out in the first round.
However, sixth seeded Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing emerged victorious in their first round with a triumphant 15-21, 21-14, 21-12 win over French pair William Villeger-Anne Tran to move to the second round where the duo will face England’s Gregory Mairs-Jenny Moore.
Also moving to the round of 16 is Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien after the pair defeated Estonia’s Kati-Kreet Marran-Helina Ruutel.
Zii Jia will face Christo Popov in the second round after the Frenchman subdued Misha Zilberman from Israel 21-19, 21-18. – The Vibes, March 9, 2022
