Zii Jia's path to Olympic glory begins at the Thailand Open
Henry Larsson
May 14, 2024 14:27 MYT
May 14, 2024 14:27 MYT
A few days after declaring his intention to win gold at the Paris Olympics, Lee Zii Jia competes at the Thailand Open this week to mark a gruelling schedule that is set to put those ambitions to the test.
There were speculations that Lee may not compete in the Super 500 event in Bangkok, but his participation is confirmed with a first round against China’s Lei Lan Xi.
With a host of big names missing out this time including Viktor Axelsen, Jonatan Christie and Shi Yu Qi, it will provide the world number 10 with the ideal opportunity to try and claim the tournament which he won back in 2022.
Lee had declared his intentions to win the Paris Games last week by saying : “My target is to win the Olympics and I know I have the potential to win.
“I have not won any Olympic medals yet, but I have the confidence in myself to do so. I hope to stay injury free and be in good confidence to compete,” he said.
The Malaysian shuttlers in Bangkok will be aiming for a good showing ahead of competing on their home turf at the Malaysia Masters next week.
Lee will lead the Malaysian contingent competing at the Thailand Open as the rest prepare for the Malaysia Masters.
Other top pairs who have missed out include Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei.
The next few weeks marks a hectic for the Olympic-bound shuttlers.
After the Thailand Open and Malaysia Masters, the Singapore Open (May 29-June 2), Indonesia Open (Jun 4-9) and Australian Open (Jun 11-16) will take place.