Vantaa, Finland: Lee Zii Jia continued his encouraging start at the Arctic Open 2026 by defeating China’s Dong Tian Yao in straight games, while Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King also booked their place in the second round of the men’s doubles event.
Lee, who came through qualifying, defeated world No. 40 Dong 21-18, 21-14 at the Energia Areena to register another much-needed victory after a difficult run of results.
Lee Zii Jia Beats Dong Tian Yao
The opening game was competitive, with Dong keeping close to the Malaysian through much of the contest.
Lee gradually increased the pace and took the first game 21-18 before producing a more controlled performance in the second, closing out the match 21-14.
- Winner: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia
- Defeated: Dong Tian Yao of China
- Score: 21-18, 21-14
- Round: Arctic Open 2026 first round
The result gives Lee back-to-back wins in Finland after he defeated home player Kalle Koljonen in qualifying.
Watch Lee Zii Jia vs Dong Tian Yao Highlights
(Source: 羽球大爆炸)
Lee Zii Jia to Face Su Li Yang Next
Lee’s next opponent will be Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang, who advanced with a convincing victory over compatriot Lin Chun Yi.
Su won 21-17, 21-6 to secure the second-round meeting with Lee.
- Su Li Yang (Chinese Taipei) beat Lin Chun Yi (Chinese Taipei) 21-17, 21-6
The match will provide another strong test for Lee as he tries to rebuild confidence and momentum on the European badminton circuit.
Lee Zii Jia Speaks to Badminton Europe
(Source: Badminton Europe)
Aaron Tai-Yap Roy King Advance in Men’s Doubles
Malaysia also had a positive result in men’s doubles as the newly formed pairing of Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King defeated fellow Malaysians Nur Azriyn Ayub and Tan Wee Kiong.
Aaron-Yap controlled the match from the start and won 21-12, 21-13 in under 30 minutes.
- Winners: Aaron Tai/Yap Roy King of Malaysia
- Defeated: Nur Azriyn Ayub/Tan Wee Kiong of Malaysia
- Score: 21-12, 21-13
Aaron Tai-Yap Roy King Face Lee Fang Chih-Lee Fang Jen
The Malaysians will next meet Chinese Taipei’s seventh seeds Lee Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen.
The second-round match will offer a stronger test for Aaron and Yap, who are competing together as part of Malaysia’s ongoing effort to evaluate new men’s doubles combinations.
With Lee Zii Jia also advancing in singles, Malaysia will have several important matches to watch as the Arctic Open 2026 moves deeper into the main draw.
