Lee Zii Jia is set to miss out on next month’s Malaysia Masters due to his low ranking.
The professional shuttler’s coach Liew Daren confirmed Lee is unable to participate due to his current world ranking of 82.
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The 28-year-old is listed as the 11th reserve shuttler for the Super 500 event scheduled for May 19-24 at the Unifi Arena.
This means barring a mass withdrawal, Lee will miss out performing in front of the home crowd, where he is usually accustomed to a hot reception.
Lee’s 82nd world rank means he is currently the fifth ranked Malaysian men’s singles shuttler behind Leong Jun Hao (25), Justin Hoh (44), Aidil Sholeh (51) and Eogene Ewe (78).
But despite Lee’s low ranking due to long injury layoff, the Kedah-born still made the squad for the upcoming Thomas Cup (April 24-May 3).
National icon and current Badminton Association of Malaysia performance committee chairman Lee Chong Wei said Zii Jia earned his place on merit in the squad.
The former world number one added that eventhough Zii Jia is still plagued by inconsistency, he is by far the current best Malaysian men’s singles shuttler and is confident he can deliver as the third men’s singles at the Thomas Cup.
