[UPDATED] M’sia Open: Zii Jia crashes out of home tournament

KUALA LUMPUR – Disappointment filled the air in the Axiata Arena as Malaysian favourite Lee Zii Jia crashed out of the Malaysia Open after losing to Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito 21-19, 19-21, 21-16.

The Indonesian came out strong in the first set, giving Zii Jia a proper battle. But the Kedah-born shuttler then bounced back in the second set, forcing a final-set showdown. 

However, the Malaysian fans were let down in the end, as Zii Jia bowed out in the final set after giving up a lead towards the final points. 

World number five Zii Jia could have set up a thrilling meet tomorrow in the quarter-finals with second seed Kento Momota, but Rhustavito put up a fight, much to the disappointment of the home supporters.

After the loss, Zii Jia continued to hold his head high when met with reporters. 

“No regrets from me, once I decide to compete, I will go all out. But my opponent played much better today. 

“I have to accept the result. He has always been a tough opponent for me and there were some things that were lacking on my end,” he said. 

When asked if the loss in front of adoring fans would affect his preparations for the upcoming World Championships, Zii Jia stood firm by his competitive spirit. 

“Every match has a winner and a loser. This loss does not affect my confidence. 

“I know where my level stands, right now I have to work on maintaining that level of play,” he added. 

Rhustavito was full of joy after beating the fan favourite.

“It is not easy to beat a national player here. But I am very happy with my performance today. 

“I kept my focus on myself throughout the game. Zii Jia played very well too, but he made mistakes towards the end which gave me the chance to win,” he told reporters. 

Rhustavito will now play Kento Momota tomorrow in the quarter-finals. The Japanese shuttler defeated Hong Kong’s Angus Ng 11-21, 21-8, 21-18. 

Meanwhile, world number one Viktor Axelsen also progressed into the quarter-finals after taking down Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu 15-21, 21-6, 21-13. He will face Indonesia’s Anthony Sinisuka Ginting tomorrow. – The Vibes, June 30, 2022