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Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia is now the top number two men’s singles badminton player in the world
According to the latest rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) yesterday, 25 October, Lee climbed one spot up after an impressive finals finish at the Denmark Open on Sunday, 23 October.
Finishing as runner up, he lost to China’s Shi Yu Qi in the finals, 18-21, 21-16, 12-21.
Although missing the title, Stadium Astro reported that Lee was happy with his Denmark outing, and will be confident of emulating the same performance at the French Open, which begins this week.
China’s Shi Yu Qi (left) and Lee (right) at the Denmark Open 2022.
Image via Badminton World Wide (Facebook)
In the BWF rankings, the 24-year-old Malaysian is now only one spot behind reigning world champion, Viktor Axelsen of Denmark
Lee, who quit the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and became a professional player in January, climbed past Axelson’s countrymate and now world number three, Anders Antonsen, with 92,528 points over 27 tournaments.
Image via AFP/New Straits Times
The professional shuttler is going up against Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito in the first round in Paris today, 26 October
If he performs, Lee will be up for a last eight clash against Indonesia’s seventh-seed Jonatan Christie, and may potentially meet Shi, again, or Axelsen in the semi-finals.