Paris, August 25, 2025 – Lee Zii Jia’s much-anticipated return to competitive badminton ended in heartbreak as the Malaysian shuttler was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 Badminton World Championships in Paris.
Watch Highlights of Lee Zii Jia vs. Jeon Hyeok Jin in the first round of 2025 World Championships:
The Adidas Arena was set for a strong comeback, but Lee Zii Jia, currently ranked No. 52 in the world, struggled to find form and fell to South Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin (World No. 38) in straight sets, 17-21, 11-21, in just 41 minutes.
This marks the worst World Championships performance in Lee Zii Jia’s career, after previously reaching the quarterfinals in 2019 and 2021, and the round of 16 in both 2022 and 2023.
😓 A Challenging Return After Injury
Lee Zii Jia’s road to Paris was anything but smooth. He had been sidelined since March after an ankle injury he first sustained during the 2023 BWF World Tour Finals in December. Though he briefly returned for the Orleans Masters and the All England in March, recurring pain forced him to withdraw from the U.S., Japan, and China Opens over the summer.
Despite being granted a protected ranking slot (World No. 9) by the BWF, Lee Zii Jia admitted he still isn’t back to full strength.
“I’m happy to have finished my first match without pain. That’s the most important thing right now,” he told BWF in a post-match interview.
🗣️ Lee Zii Jia Asks Fans for Patience
With expectations high, Lee Zii Jia acknowledged the disappointment of his early exit but pleaded for continued support from fans:
“I hope the fans stay patient — not just for me, but also for themselves. I believe I can get back to my best form.”
He rated his own performance a 5 out of 10, citing stamina and match fitness as key areas for improvement.
“My shot feel is still okay because the experience is there. But physically, I need to rebuild,” he added.
🔍 Rashid Sidek’s Match Commentary
Former Malaysian badminton player Rashid Sidek, who analyzed the match on Malaysian television, noted Lee Zii Jia’s lack of attacking play and slow movement:
“His smash is his biggest weapon, but without using it effectively, it’s tough for him to win points.”
⏳ What’s Next?
While the defeat stings, Lee Zii Jia remains determined to reset and rebuild. The 27-year-old hopes this experience will serve as a stepping stone back to top form.
