Zii Jia: Always tough vs Kodai, progress made

Lee Zii Jia was proud of his efforts, despite bowing out of the Hylo Open second round after a 11-21, 21-13, 14-21 loss against Kodai Naraoka on Friday.

"Always a tough match against Kodai-San. Cat's outta bag on my condition prior to the tournament, but hopefully my determination to fight on court showed in these two matches here in Saarbrucken. All in all, progress made after Finland (Arctic Open)," said Lee.

The Malaysian professional shuttler had arrived in Germany not in good physical condition.

He was down with fever, was vomiting and even went to a hospital where the doctor advised him to withdraw against Singapore's Jason Teh in the first round.

But Lee played anyway despite his condition and beat Teh in a three-game victory that lasted an hour.

Against Naraoka, Lee looked poised to continue his journey in this Super 500 event as he led 11-8 in the deciding game.

But the world number nine pressed on after the interval to engage Lee in long rallies which gassed the Malaysian out. 

Like he mentioned, the now world number 42 will appreciate his tenacity to push his physical limit despite not being in top shape.

The 28-year-old, who finished runner-up at the 2021 Hylo Open, arrived here hoping to build on his recent performance at the Arctic Open where he reached the semis.

Lee will return home to Malaysia and recover before his next assignment at next month's Japan Masters.