KUALA LUMPUR, 13 March 2025 – Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Swiss Open due to an ongoing ankle injury that has not fully healed. The decision follows his early exit from the All-England Open, where he was eliminated in the first round by Hong Kong’s Angus Ng Ka Long.
Injury Concerns and Recovery Setbacks
Lee, 26, sustained a right ankle ligament injury at the 2023 BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, which forced him to take a three-month break from competition. He made his comeback at the Orleans Masters but fell in the quarter-finals to Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen, indicating that he was still not at full fitness.
“I may have rushed my return. My injury is still affecting my performance, and I need to re-evaluate my recovery process,” said Lee Zii Jia.
Impact on Tournament Participation and Rankings
Lee’s decision to pull out of the Swiss Open means he will miss out on crucial ranking points, potentially causing his world ranking to drop out of the top 10. The Swiss Open draw had initially set up a rematch against Angus Ng, but with his withdrawal, his comeback campaign is now uncertain.
What’s Next for Lee Zii Jia?
The former Asian champion and Malaysia’s top singles player will now focus on his rehabilitation and medical treatment before deciding on his next tournament. With the Paris Olympics 2024 qualification period over, Lee has time to fully recover before making another push for international titles.
Badminton Malaysia Reacts
Malaysia’s badminton community has expressed support for Lee’s decision to prioritize his health. Former national coach Wong Tat Meng emphasized the importance of long-term planning.
“Lee is an elite athlete, and injury management is crucial. A rushed comeback could do more harm than good,” he stated.
Malaysia Biggest Badminton Hopes
Lee Zii Jia remains one of Malaysia’s biggest badminton hopes, and his recovery will be closely watched by fans. For now, his focus is on full rehabilitation, ensuring he returns to top form for upcoming international events.
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