Badminton Asia Championships: Zii Jia, Daren stage comeback wins in day of upsets

Lee beat China’s Sun Fei Xiang 19-21, 21-14, 21-14, while Liew was also imperious in his 8-21, 21-10, 21-15 win over South Korea’s Heong Kwang-hee.

Sun, a three-time world and Asian junior champion, took the first game 21-19 after starting well against Lee, whom he put under pressure with quick returns and decisive net play.

The world number seven stormed back to level courtesy of a 21-14 win, before applying plenty of offensive pressure to win the decider with the same scoreline.

His next opponent is Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren Rhustavito.

RESULTS: #BAC2022R32#MAS?? Lee Zii Jia(3) def. #CHN?? Sun Fei Xiang 19-21 21-14 21-14? @badmintonphoto #DemiMalaysia#BadmintonMalaysia pic.twitter.com/uGz5kTqNrc

— BAM (@BA_Malaysia) April 27, 2022

Liew, meanwhile, had to find a way to overcome a horrendous start and find a way to outclass his opponent.

After losing the first game, Liew found more joy on the right side of the court where the drift favoured him to level, before using his experience in tense rallies at the end to come away with a first win in four years against Heo.

He next plays Jonatan Christie.

S. Kisona also came through in the women’s singles with a straight-game victory over Yeung Sum Yee to book a meeting with China’s He Bing Jiao.

The women’s doubles saw Anna Ching-Teoh Mei Xing beat Ashwini Bhat-Shikha Gautam 21-19, 21-12, to set up a second-round clash against top seeds Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan.

Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah also won in straight games and have a date against Yeung Nga Ting-Yeung Pui Lam.

Aidil Sholeh, Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien, Tan Zhing Yi and Low Yeen Yuan-Valeree Siow, meanwhile, all lost their openers.

But the biggest upset of the day belonged to unheralded Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, who beat defending champion Momota 7-21, 21-17, 21-7.