IF Lee Zii Jia continues playing the way he did against Japan's Kento Momota on Friday, then the world is his, said Lee Chong Wei.
Former World No 1 Chong Wei made the comment after Zii Jia produced his best performance in recent times to upset second seed Momota in the All England quarter-finals.
Zii Jia, 24, was in sizzling form as he produced a 21-7, 13-21, 21-11 win over the Japanese for his third victory over the two-time world champion in 11 meetings.
Chong Wei, who had won the All England four times, said: "If Zii Jia can play the way he did against Momota consistently, then I dare say the world is his.
"Zii Jia was brilliant in all aspects of his game, and was extremely smart in playing out his tactics.
"Zii Jia was near perfect in the first game, and was smart to save his energy in the second. In the third, he switched his play at the interval and that made the difference. He was simply superb."
Chong Wei, who retired in 2019 after battling nose cancer, admitted that times have changed since his playing days.
The 40-year-old, who dominated badminton for years alongside China's five-time world champion Lin Dan, added: "The world of badminton today is very different. Gone are the days when you see players winning back-to-back tournaments.
"I don't know why... to be honest. Some say it is strategy as players know their ability and are choosing the right time to peak.
"It was different when I was playing. I just wanted to win every tournament I competed in. The same goes for people like Lin Dan. That was our style.
"However, the game is so much more open now, we can't predict who will come out tops because it's an open affair."