Berita Harian
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Competing at the Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) 2020 on Wednesday, Lee played his first match following his shocking exit from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) earlier this year.
Lee defeated Loh with scores of 21-6 and 21-14.
The All England Open champion beat Loh, who won the BWF World Championship in Spain last year, in just 30 minutes, reported Bernama.
The Star described Lee’s win against his childhood rival as “sweet” revenge as he had lost 24-22 and 21-14 to the Penang-born Singaporean at the French Open in October last year.
Lee also lost to him at the Hylo Open in November last year.
“I know all the fans have been waiting for this match and I’m glad to deliver the first point for my team.”
“In the past, I was very emotional. When I made a mistake, it was too obvious.”
“One of my targets this year is to make my game and my performance stable in whatever way necessary. I’m very happy with my performance today.”
The Star reported that the 23-year-old independent shuttler has helped Malaysia beat Singapore 5-0 in the Group B opener of the championships yesterday.
@bayuarisandee’s tweets about Lee have garnered thousands of likes and retweets.
In a Twitter thread, he talked about Lee leaving BAM, and yet, was able to win against the reigning men’s singles world champion.
“It is too early to predict the future, but that’s a good first step for Lee Zii Jia,” the badminton fan wrote.
Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican also took the opportunity to applaud Lee’s performance, not as a minister, but as a fan.
Many netizens also celebrated Lee’s victory on Twitter, with some thirsting over his flying kiss at the end of the match.