Lee Zii Jia Aims for Strong Finish at Kumamoto Masters

Lee Zii Jia’s quest to qualify for the World Tour Finals (WTF) in Hangzhou from Dec 11-15 makes the Kumamoto Masters starting tomorrow in Japan, a crucial event. Currently ranked World No. 7, Zii Jia’s hopes were dented when he withdrew from the Denmark Open last month due to an ankle injury, losing valuable points. He must quickly regain his form in Kumamoto to stay on track.

In the first round, Zii Jia could face fellow Malaysian Justin Hoh, ranked World No. 49 if Hoh clears the qualifiers. A potential second-round encounter against China’s World No. 21 Weng Hong Yang awaits Zii Jia. Although Hong Yang’s career has been inconsistent, he made a breakthrough by winning his first Super 1000 title at the China Open in September. Zii Jia has a 3-3 head-to-head record with Hong Yang, setting the stage for a competitive match.

If Lee Zii Jia advances, a quarter-final clash against World No. 6 Jonatan Christie could provide a chance for Zii Jia to reach the semi-finals for the first time since his Olympic bronze in Paris. Currently ranked No. 5 in the world tour standings, Zii Jia is at risk of dropping to No. 6 if Korea Masters champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn surpasses him in the updated rankings. A strong finish in Kumamoto is essential for securing a place in the WTF.

Meanwhile, two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark, who has recovered from illness is also competing in Kumamoto and faces Taiwan’s Wang Tzu Wei in round one. Malaysian Leong Jun Hao faces a tough challenge against Paris Olympics semi-finalist Lakshya Sen in his opening round.