Indoor Draught Causes Lee Zii Jia’s Early Exit In Malaysia Open 2023

Draught can affect the direction and speed of the shuttle.

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Indoor draught is possibly the cause of professional singles badminton player Lee Zii Jia’s defeat in the first round of the Malaysia Open 2023.

Lee, the number two player in the world, lost to the rising star from Japan, Kodai Naraoka.

Lee lost 21-13, 17-21, 19-21 in action at Arena Axiata, Bukit Jalil.

Controlling the wind on this court is a big challenge not only for me, but other players.
Badminton player Lee Zii Jia speaking to reporters after the match.

He added that Kodai has an advantage because he is a very patient player and plays defensively.

While Kodai also struggled with the movement of the wind, Lee said his opponent seemed more confident at the end of the game.

This is the third time the Kedah-born player has been eliminated early at home after experiencing the same nightmare in 2019 and 2022.

In 2019, he lost to Thai player Suppanyu Avihingsanon in the first round before losing to Shesar Hiren Rhustavito from Indonesia in the second round last year.

Lee’s defeat saw Kodai meet another Malaysian player, Ng Tze Yong, who advanced to the second round after defeating Irish player Nhat Nguyen 21-4, 21-10 in the earlier match.

Return To Beginning

Meanwhile, fans are urging Lee to return to the Badminton Association of Malaysia after his recent defeat.

They said Lee has all the potential in the world but needs proper guidance and coaching.

Perhaps it was never a good idea to leave BAM at such a young age Lee Zii Jia
— Shannon Christopher (@ShanChris1793) January 11, 2023

Nie pendapat sya maf klau tersalah..sbg peminat badminton dh lama..lee Zii jia blik la dekat Bam..tgk pemain badminton china dh berjaya Pon tak tinggal diorang punya persatuan..nk tgk sgt dia berjaya sbb umur muda lgi
— Siti Noorfaranina (@SNoorfaranina) January 12, 2023