Taipei: Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia made a winning start at the Taipei Open after recovering from a game down to defeat home player Liao Jhuo-Fu in the men’s singles opening round.
The world No. 53 needed 63 minutes to overcome the world No. 62 player from Chinese Taipei 22-24, 21-12, 21-15 at the BWF World Tour Super 300 badminton tournament.
Lee was unable to convert his opportunities during a tense opening game, but responded with a more confident performance in the next two to secure his place in the round of 16.
Lee Zii Jia Recovers After Tight Opening Game
The first game developed into a close battle, with neither player able to establish a comfortable advantage.
Lee remained within reach during the closing rallies, but Liao handled the decisive points more effectively and edged the game 24-22 in front of the home crowd.
The Malaysian responded immediately in the second game. He increased the pace of his attacks, controlled the rallies more confidently and reduced the opportunities available to his opponent.
Lee gradually pulled away before taking the game 21-12 to force a decider.
He maintained that improved rhythm in the third. Although Liao continued to challenge, Lee stayed composed and completed the comeback 21-15.
- Category: Men’s singles
- Result: Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia defeated Liao Jhuo-Fu of Chinese Taipei 22-24, 21-12, 21-15
- Match duration: 63 minutes
- World rankings: Lee No. 53; Liao No. 62
- Outcome: Lee advanced to the Taipei Open round of 16
Lee Continues Positive Run After Canada Open Semifinal
The victory extended Lee’s recent improvement after he reached the Canada Open semifinals earlier this month.
That run was his best result in some time and provided an encouraging sign after a difficult period affected by injuries, inconsistent form and a drop in the badminton world rankings.
His performance in Taipei was not flawless, but the way he recovered after losing the opening game showed greater patience and confidence under pressure.
Lee will now attempt to build further momentum as he searches for another deep run on the BWF World Tour.
Anthony Ginting or Lin Chun-Yi Could Await Lee Zii Jia
A significantly tougher challenge is likely to await Lee in the second round.
He will face the winner of the opening-round match between Indonesia’s former Asian champion Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and Chinese Taipei’s second seed Lin Chun-Yi.
A meeting with Ginting would bring together two players who have previously competed among the elite of men’s singles badminton.
Lin, meanwhile, will carry strong home expectations and enters the Taipei Open as one of the leading title contenders.
- Possible next opponent: Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia
- Possible next opponent: Second seed Lin Chun-Yi of Chinese Taipei
Taipei Open Offers Important Ranking Opportunity
The Taipei Open represents another important opportunity for Lee to collect world ranking points and restore confidence ahead of the upcoming international badminton schedule.
After falling outside the world’s top 50, every victory will be valuable as he works toward improving his ranking and earning more favorable positions in future tournament draws.
His opening-round comeback provided the required result, but the level of opposition will rise sharply in the round of 16.
Whether he meets Ginting or Lin, Lee will need to reproduce the control and attacking confidence he displayed during the final two games against Liao.
For Malaysian badminton fans, the victory delivered another encouraging sign that the former All England champion is gradually rebuilding his form and competitive rhythm.
