Hangzhou: The 2024 BWF World Tour Finals saw dramatic action on Friday during the final group-stage matches. The spotlight was on the men’s singles clash between Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia and China’s Li Shi Feng. Unfortunately, Lee Zii Jia, who was leading 22-20, 15-11, was forced to retire due to an ankle injury, leaving fans heartbroken.
Highlights of Lee Zii Jia vs. Li Shi Feng – 2024 BWF World Tour Finals Group Stage:
Strong Start Marred by Unfortunate Injury
Lee Zii Jia had been in stellar form throughout the tournament, securing two straight-set victories in his earlier matches. He defeated Chinese Taipei’s veteran Chou Tien Chen (21-13, 21-15) and Denmark’s Anders Antonsen (21-14, 21-19), earning a 2-0 record to top Group A and secure his spot in the semifinals before Friday’s match.
In the much-anticipated clash with Li Shi Feng, Lee started strong, clinching the first game 22-20 and taking an 11-3 lead in the second game. However, disaster struck when Lee appeared to injure his ankle while returning a shot, causing him to stop play and seek medical assistance.
Though he attempted to continue after briefly consulting the medical team, it was evident that his mobility was severely impacted. At 15-11, Lee Zii Jia announced his withdrawal, dashing hopes of completing the match.
Fans React with Sympathy
Fans expressed their disappointment and concern for Lee Zii Jia on social media. Many highlighted his excellent form in the tournament and lamented the untimely injury.
“Lee Zii Jia was in top form, with great offense and solid defense. It’s such a shame for this to happen when he was performing so well,” commented one fan.
Men’s Singles Semifinals
In the men’s singles semifinals on Saturday, Anders Antonsen (Denmark) will face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, while China’s Shi Yu Qi takes on Chinese Taipei’s veteran Chou Tien Chen.
All-Malaysian Semifinal in Mixed Doubles
Malaysia is guaranteed a spot in the mixed doubles final as both their pairs, Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Lai, will face off in the semifinals. This ensures a strong showing for Malaysia in the tournament.
Other Semifinal Matches
Here’s a look at the other semifinal matches scheduled for Saturday:
Women’s Singles
Aya Ohori (Japan) vs. Han Yue (China)
An Se Young (South Korea) vs. Wang Zhi Yi (China)
Men’s Doubles
Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (Denmark) vs. Sabar Karyaman Gutama/Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani (Indonesia)
Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto (Indonesia) vs. Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia)
Women’s Doubles
Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning (China) vs. Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee (South Korea)
Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan (China) vs. Chiharu Shida/Nami Matsuyama (Japan)
Mixed Doubles
Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong (China) vs. Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (China)
Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei (Malaysia) vs. Goh Soon Huat/Shevon Lai (Malaysia)
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Malaysian mixed doubles showdown and the recovery of Lee Zii Jia. Stay tuned to Badminton News for the latest updates, results, and stories from the world of badminton.
