Popov: Zii Jia was crazy sharp, played like a top 10

World number two Christo Popov paid tribute to a special Lee Zii Jia performance after the Malaysian comfortably beat him 21-11, 21-16 to move into the Arctic Open men's singles semi-finals.

"He was sharp in every aspect and made it hard for me to play my rhythm. There were around 15 shots he played that I thought was out, but it went in.

"It was crazy sharpness from him today. He played like a top 10 player. I'm happy to see him play on a high level again," said Popov.

Like the Frenchman alluded to, Lee, ranked 56, was once again in his elements on Friday, using his smashes to great effect.

But more than that, Lee's patience and precision play proved too much for his opponent, who simply had no answer.

Lee was naturally delighted with his performance.

"I gave everything in this match. It's good to be playing well again in a place where I was champion before," said the 2023 champion.

Lee will now go on to face either China's Hu Zhe An or Anders Antonsen of Denmark in the semi-finals.

Lee can prepare for that match knowing he played his best game of the year to progress the furthest in a top-tier event.

This is Lee's second semi-finals of the year having also reached the Canada Open last four.