Malaysian athletes have been gearing up for the Paris Olympics 2024, and among them is our beloved national badminton player, Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉). Previously, he fell short of clinching the champion title and acknowledged his shortcomings. However, yesterday (Sunday, May 19th) he made a powerful statement by reclaiming the Thailand Open crown at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok, defeating Hong Kong’s Angus Ng or Ng Ka Long (伍家朗) 21-11, 21-10 in the final.
After his game with the Hong Kong player, the 26-year-old shuttler participated in an interview session with several news outlets. During an interview with SPOTV, he answered a few questions that caught netizens’ attention. Notably, he admitted that he “played one of his best performances” in the match.
The Kedah-born athlete also remarked, “I hope I can keep this momentum and confidence going into the next tournament.” Zii Jia added that during his game with Angus, he was “focused” throughout and genuinely “enjoyed” the match. Following his victory over Angus in the Thailand Open, he will be competing next on home court at the Malaysia Masters 2024 from 21st to 26th May at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.
Netizens are thrilled and proud of Lee Zii Jia for winning the Thailand Open. One netizen posted on Twitter, “This is the best moment for Malaysian badminton fans who have always supported and never given up on him.” A post by SPOTV showing Zii Jia and Angus Ng dancing together after the tournament delighted fans with their display of sportsmanship and camaraderie. The shuttler also shared congratulatory messages on his Instagram story from fellow badminton players and celebrities.
For fans and netizens, it has been a long time since a Malaysian badminton player dominated the court following Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s retirement. Lee Zii Jia’s confidence and impressive momentum have rekindled our hope for renewed dominance in the sport. We will support and pray for Lee Zii Jia’s victory, and we will stand by him even if he loses.
Watch Lee Zii Jia’s interview here:
#BWF – 💬 “Saya sudah kembali mendapatkan rentak yang saya cari“.
🇲🇾 Lee Zii Jia gembira apabila sudah mendapat rentak ketika memenangi #ThailandOpen2024 selepas menumbangkan 🇭🇰 Ng Ka Long Angus pada perlawanan akhir sebentar tadi. #SPOTVMY https://t.co/THZCub2SPN pic.twitter.com/OOkDfI7iom
— SPOTV Malaysia (@SPOTVMY) May 19, 2024
Sources: Twitter (1)(2), New Straits Times, Instagram.
Sabrina Azahar contributed to this article.
