Badminton

Zii Jia eager to meet challange of Momota and powerful Japan'

Men's singles Lee Zii Jia is ready to take on the challenge of leading Malaysia in both the Sudirman Cup and the Thomas Cup Finals.

Zii Jia had his first taste of playing first singles in a major team event at the 2019 Sudirman Cup.

And the world No 8 believes that experience has served him as he accepts the role of skipper for the Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, Finland (Sept 26-Oct 3) and the Thomas Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark (Oct 9-17).

The BA of Malaysia (BAM) have named inexperienced Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup squads with Zii Jia and world No 8 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik being the only senior players.

"The 2019 Sudirman Cup was my first experience playing first singles in a team event, and that has definitely made me more matured," said Zii Jia at Akademi Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

"This time, it is down to Aaron-Wooi Yik and me to lead the team, and it will be challenging since we have a young lineup.

"But it is an opportunity for the young players to have a chance to shine in a big tournament.

"Of course there is extra pressure on me, but I believe that I am now more matured to overcome it.

"My teammates will also be supporting each other. What is important is that we win and lose as a team."

Meanwhile, Zii Jia expects Japan's world No 1 Kento Momota to be at his best during both tournaments.

The 23-year-old had beaten Momota in the quarter-finals of the All-England in March but believes the Japanese star will be out to make amends for his failure to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics last month.

"I think it's fair to say that he wasn't at his best when I beat him at the All-England.

"I believe he will come back stronger. I want to challenge him at his best.

"But with that said, I believe we have a fair chance against Japan," he added.

Malaysia are with Japan in Group D of the Sudirman Cup alongside England and Egypt.

Additionally, both Malaysia and Japan will also face off in Group D of the Thomas Cup with Canada and England making up the numbers.

On paper, Japan are the favourites, but they have been significantly weakened by the retirements of three men's doubles players in Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda and Hiroyuki Endo.

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