3 big events Zii Jia set to miss after securing protected world ranking

Lee Zii Jia will miss a minimum three months of competitive action after he was granted protected ranking by the Badminton World Federation. Stadium Astro looks at some of the big events the shuttler is set to miss out on.

Sudirman Cup

Missing out on this team event means that Lee will not be able to add to his two bronze medals won at the 2021 and 2023 editions.

It comes as a big blow for both Lee and the national contingent, especially given Lee’s fantastic track record in this competition in 2023.

He was undefeated then, and was crucial to Malaysia earning the bronze medal.

Thailand Open

While this Super 500 event may not be regarded as a big miss to some, it holds a special place in Lee’s heart.

Lee has won the Thailand Open in 2022 and 2024, more than any other event he has triumphed in.

In fact, winning this tournament last year charted the beginning of Lee’s good form which ended in securing a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

Malaysia Masters

Missing out on the Malaysia Masters means Lee will also lose out on playing in front of his home fans this year, having also not featured at the Malaysia Open in January.

Last year, the world number nine produced his best result on home turf after reaching the Malaysia Masters final for a showdown against Viktor Axelsen.

He gave the Danish ace a good fight and lost in three games.

Despite the defeat, fans were excited to witness a Malaysian men’s singles shuttler in the final after a long time.

Before Zii Jia’s final appearance, Lee Chong Wei was the last men’s singles shuttler to reach the 2018 Malaysia Open final which he won.