KUALA LUMPUR – Lee Zii Jia is back in action at the Malaysia Open, taking a calculated risk to reclaim his world ranking before his injury-protected status expires next month.
The independent shuttler, currently 144th in the world, said competing now is crucial to prevent a further slide once his protected ranking of number nine ends in February.
“I haven’t been in the triple digits for a long time. With my protected ranking ending soon, I have no choice but to return,” Zii Jia told reporters after a training session at the Axiata Arena today.
Nursing injuries to his right ankle and back, he admitted there is pressure to perform at the Super 1000 event to secure enough points to return to the top 15 by year-end.
“My ranking has already dropped a lot. The Malaysia Open offers significant points, so whether I like it or not, I have to compete in tournaments,” he said, adding that stabilising his ranking is important ahead of the Olympic qualification period next year.
Despite his current low ranking, Zii Jia said he does not see himself as an underdog on home soil.
“There is definitely some pressure playing at home, but I feel confident and will do my best,” he said, stressing that staying healthy remains his main priority after an injury-plagued year.
It’s understood that Zii Jia is scheduled to compete in the India Open, Indonesia Masters, and Thailand Masters following his home campaign. – January 4, 2026