Lee Zii Jia duly checked into the second round of the World Championships in Japan, but it was Ng Tze Yong who stole the show with a big win over Malaysia Masters champion Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo on Monday.

Ng, who needed only 40 minutes for the 21-16, 21-10 victory over Wardoyo, admitted he was not compelled about pressure playing at this marquee event, where he only got invited due to a withdrawal.

“I don’t want to put pressure on myself, and rather focus on giving my best for every point. I am fortunate to play at the World Championships, and I hope to do well,” said Ng, who takes on Thailand’s Sitthikom Thammasin on Tuesday.

Like in Japan, Ng also got his Commonwealth Games exposure after Lee pulled out.

He went on to help Malaysia clinch gold in the mixed team event, and continued that fine performance to reach the final where he pushed Lakshya Sen to the wire.

He had to settle for a silver medal, but it was way more than he ever expected and he brought that surging confidence and form into this match against Wardoyo.

Ng was brave and aggressive with big points scored through precise cross-court smashes, many of which he executed from the deep end of his court.

Coupled with his fine defending, the Malaysian eased away at the final stretch of the first game for the lead, before racing to an 11-2 lead in the second game which he finished off easily soon after.

Similarly, Lee had a straightforward time in his 21-9, 21-13 triumph over Brice Leverdez, who famously beat Lee Chong Wei in the opening round of the 2017 World Championships.

As expected, the Malaysian produced an explosive performance throughout the 39-minute victory, including two signature jumping backhand kills in both games.

Lee takes on Portugal’s national champion Bernardo Atilano in the second round.

Women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Lim Chiew Sien were also impressive in their 21-17, 21-15 victory over Germans Linda Efler-Isabel Lohau.

They play Canadians Rachel Honderich-Kristen Tsai in the next round.

Liew Daren. meanwhile. was no match for top seeded Viktor Axelsen in the men’s singles, who easily overcame the Malaysian veteran 21-16, 21-12.

Rise and shine, ??BL. #BWFWorldChampionships

Stream LIVE on @AstroGOmy: https://t.co/LB6Yrfd5yr pic.twitter.com/vf3YpKk1DA
— Stadium Astro ? (@stadiumastro) August 22, 2022