A road less rocky: Zii Jia does not have to worry about Indonesian duo Anthony Ginting and Jonathan Christie as well as favourite Viktor Axelsen of Denmark who are in the top half of the draw.
PETALING JAYA: The last two editions of the Malaysian Open (2019 and 2022) did not feature any local player in the final but former champion Rashid Sidek believes world No. 2 Lee Zi Jia can change all that at the Axiata Arena next week.
Lee Chong Wei signed off from the Malaysian Open in style in the 2018 edition by winning a record 12th men’s singles crown but it was to be the last homegrown success the local fans had witnessed in the event.
Rashid, himself a three-time winner (1990-1992), said Zii Jia’s form may not have been consistent but the tournament, which will be held from Jan 10-15, provides him with the best opportunity to win at home.
Zii Jia has also received a good draw, according to Rashid, as he will not have to worry about Indonesian duo Anthony Ginting and Jonathan Christie as well as favourite Viktor Axelsen of Denmark who are in the top half of the draw.
At the bottom half, Zii Jia is seeded to meet either Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand or Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the last four.
“This is definitely a good chance for Zii Jia not only to reach the final but also win the men’s singles title. The fans will be delighted to see him win as they have been waiting for so long to see a Malaysian champion since Chong Wei’s retirement,” said Rashid.
“Axelsen, no doubt, will be the player to beat but it is not easy to remain at the top of your game all the time. He had a great season last year and had won so many titles but he is not invincible and can be beaten.
“Normally, the first tournament of the year will see some surprises where players will try to make a breakthrough and win the title.
“Zii Jia, on his day, is capable of beating anyone and he should use the homeground advantage.”
A tricky first-round encounter against Kodai Naraoka of Japan may spell some danger but Rashid feels Zii Jia will prevail.
Zii Jia is also expected to play compatriot Ng Tze Yong in the second round before a possible quarter-final clash against Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen of India.
“Kodai will playing at the Malaysian Open for the first time and it is not easy to play at the stadium where the draught can become a nightmare to newcomers. Zii Jia should pull through against him,” added Rashid.
“He should not be troubled by Lakshya who has not been having a good run since the Commonwealth Games.”
China’s dangermen Lu Guangzu, Li Shifeng and Zhao Junpeng are all clustered in the same half and will have to cross paths with either Kean Yew or Kunlavut before setting up a semi-final showdown against Zii Jia.
If Rashid’s predictions are anything to go by, the Malaysian fans may have the joy of watching their favourite player battling for the title at the Axiata Arena on Jan 15.
