Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s World No. 2 men’s singles player Lee Zii Jia has decided to withdraw from the Hylo Open which is scheduled to take place in Saarbrücken, Germany, from November 1 to November 6.
The withdrawal was announced by his sister, Lee Zii Yii, who is also Lee Zii Jia’s team manager.
“Zii Jia withdrew from the Hylo Open due to personal reasons that required him to return to Malaysia. We hope that he will return to the court as soon as possible,” said Lee’s sister in a Whatsapp message to reporters on Saturday.
Lee Zii Jia’s decision to return to Malaysia was believed to be related to the passing of his grandfather last Monday.
Lee Zii Jia was then eliminated the next day – in the first round of the French Open in Paris after losing to the Indonesian player, Shesar Hiren Rhustavito.
Three days before his French Open first-round exit, Lee advanced to the Denmark Open final before losing to Shi Yuqi of China 18-21, 21-16, 12-21.
Asked if Lee Zii Jia will play at the Australian Open which runs from November 15 to November 20, Lee Zii Yii said: “I’m still trying to apply for a visa but it’s a bit complicated.”
“In addition, we also need to see his condition including his fitness level,” said Lee Zii Yii.
