The path to Olympic glory will only get tougher for men's singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia.
On Sunday, the 23-year-old wasted no time on court, needing only 25 minutes to thrash Ukraine's Artem Pochtarov 21-5, 21-11 in the opening Group M tie of the Tokyo Olympics at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza.
Awaiting Zii Jia in the final group match is the tricky and unpredictable Brice Leverdez of France.
World No 8 Zii Jia must defeat the French World No 36 to qualify for the last 16.
For the record, apart from defeating Zii Jia once — in the Thailand Masters two years ago, it was Leverdez who sent the great Lee Chong Wei packing in the first round of the 2017 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
"I am ready for Leverdez. In fact, I have been preparing for this match long before the Olympics.
"My coaches and I have touched on tactics to use against Leverdez, so I am ready for him," said Zii Jia, who plays the Frenchman on Thursday.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann warned Zii Jia from getting too complacent ahead of his clash with Leverdez.
"I am happy with how Zii Jia played in the opening tie on Sunday. He was quick off the blocks, and he knew very well what he needed to do.
"However, Leverdez will be a tricky opponent, and Zii Jia must be ready for him," said Choong Hann.
In the singles event, only group winners will advance to the last 16.
Barring any upset, Zii Jia will face defending champion Chen Long in the last 16 for a place in the quarter-finals.