KUALA LUMPUR: The highly anticipated Malaysia Masters final between Lee Zii Jia and world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen is on.
On Saturday, just 24 hours after suffering severe cramps, world No. 10 Zii Jia defeated Hong Kong's Angus Ng 21-15, 21-17 in the last four to reach his maiden international final on home soil.
The win was also Zii Jia's third straight victory over Angus this season.
The last time both players met, Zii Jia came out tops to clinch the Thailand Open crown last week.
For the record, Zii Jia's previous best at the Malaysia Masters was reaching the semi-finals back in 2020.
"So far I'm fit, and as long as I feel good, I will play in the final.
"I never think too far ahead about what the final will be like. For now, I want to go back, compose myself, have a good meal, enough rest and come out fresh tomorrow," said Zii Jia.
Meanwhile, Denmark's Axelsen will also come out with guns blazing at the Axiata Arena, as it will be his first World Tour final this season.
Axelsen, who got the better of Zii Jia in the Thomas Cup (group stage) in Chengdu earlier this month, thumped China's Lu Guang Zu 21-6, 21-13 in the earlier semi-final match.
"To be honest, I never really think about records. Every day, I just want to do my best, and I am very humble about all my achievements.
"I am content with where I am, and I am very happy to advance to the final. But playing badminton without pain in front of thousands of spectators here is my dream," said Axelsen, the only European singles player to win the Malaysia Masters since its inception in 2009.