Vantaa, Finland: Lee Zii Jia continued his encouraging run at the 2026 Arctic Open on Thursday, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang in straight games to reach the men’s singles quarterfinals.
The Malaysian professional needed 46 minutes to beat world No. 39 Su 21-17, 21-12 at the Energia Areena, extending the momentum he has built since coming through the qualifying round in Finland.
Lee Zii Jia Defeats Su Li Yang in Straight Games
Lee, currently ranked world No. 56, entered the match holding a 2-0 career record against Su and once again found a way past the Chinese Taipei player, who arrived in Finland fresh from winning the YONEX Dutch Open.
The opening game remained competitive as Su stayed within striking distance, but Lee began taking greater control after moving ahead 11-9.
Using quicker attacks and a more assertive pace, the Malaysian protected his advantage and closed the first game 21-17.
Lee looked even more comfortable in the second. His movement became sharper, his attacking patterns more organized and Su found fewer opportunities to dictate the rallies.
The Malaysian pulled away to complete the victory 21-12.
- Winner: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia
- Defeated: Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei
- Score: 21-17, 21-12
- Duration: 46 minutes
- Round: 2026 Arctic Open round of 16
Watch Lee Zii Jia vs Su Li Yang Highlights
Source: BWF
Lee Zii Jia Building Confidence in Finland
The quarterfinal appearance is an important step for Lee after a difficult period affected by ankle and back injuries.
His ranking had previously fallen outside the world’s top 100 before recovering to No. 56, and results throughout 2026 have remained inconsistent.
Lee reached the semifinals of the Canada Open earlier this season, but many of his other tournaments ended in the opening two rounds.
His Arctic Open run has been different so far. After beginning in qualifying, Lee defeated Finland’s Kalle Koljonen before beating China’s Dong Tian Yao in the first round and Su in the last 16.
Christo Popov Awaits in Arctic Open Quarterfinal
Lee’s next challenge will be second seed Christo Popov of France, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
The matchup will be another significant test, although Lee can take confidence from having won both of their previous meetings.
- Quarterfinal: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia vs Christo Popov of France
- Popov: Tournament No. 2 seed
- Previous meetings: Lee leads 2-0
For Lee, the immediate objective remains building confidence match by match rather than looking too far ahead.
2026 Arctic Open Men’s Singles Quarterfinals
The remaining men’s singles quarterfinals will feature several established stars and rising players.
- Lee Zii Jia (Malaysia) vs Christo Popov (France, No. 2 seed)
- Hu Zhe An (China) vs Anders Antonsen (Denmark, No. 4 seed)
- Chou Tien Chen (Chinese Taipei, No. 3 seed) vs Koki Watanabe (Japan, No. 8 seed)
- Kunlavut Vitidsarn (Thailand, No. 1 seed) vs Yushi Tanaka (Japan)
After three consecutive victories in Finland, Lee Zii Jia now has an opportunity to turn his improving form into a semifinal appearance when he faces Christo Popov in the Arctic Open last eight.
