Lee Zii Jia will have Viktor Axelsen in his way as he bids to become Malaysia’s first All-England champion in four years after the Malaysian put on another powerful performance to beat Mark Caljouw 21-13, 21-17 early Sunday morning.

Lee was always going to be the favourite against the Dutchman, especially after he sent world number one Kento Momota packing in straight games in the last eight.

With full of confidence, the world number 10 set about his business right away to leave the Dutchman playing catch-up throughout the contest.

He won in 44 minutes to book a career first major final in this Super 1000 event.

“Every shuttler dreams about playing in the All-England final, and it’s the same for me. I just want to have a good rest and prepare for tomorrow. Both players, either Axelsen or (Anders) Antonsen will be tough opponents in the final,” said Lee in his post-match interview.

Axelsen, who played his team-mate in the final match of the day, needed 67-minutes to win 16-21, 21-7,21-17 in an energy sapping encounter for a second consecutive final.

The defending champion is the most in-form player on the World Tour at the moment, having won three titles already this year.

Axelsen had beaten Lee by the slimmest of margins in the semis last year, and the Malaysian will be gunning to turn the tables this time around.

Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying could not give Malaysia an added cheer as they lost 14-21, 20-22 to scratch pair Yuki Kaneko-Misaki Matsutomo.

Chan-Goh were firmly on course to level proceedings in the second game having held an astonishing 16-4 and 17-10 lead over the Japanese, but they failed to keep their composure and their opponents fought back for the straight game win.

The Japanese contingent, who are playing in their first event of the year, have made it an all Japan final in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

They are represented in the women’s singles final too, with Nozomi Okuhara facing Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong.