Survivor: Lee Zii Jia prevailed in a close 20-22, 21-19, 21-12 win over Indonesia’s Shesar Hiren in 63 minutes. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: World No. 2 Lee Zii Jia bounced back from his Malaysian Open disappointment to advance to the second round of the Indian Open with a come-from-behind win over bogeyman Shesar Hiren of Indonesia.
Shesar had beaten Zii Jia in their last two meetings – the Malaysian Open in June and the French Open in October last year – but the Malaysian prevailed in a close 20-22, 21-19, 21-12 win in 63 minutes yesterday.
Zii Jia forced a deciding game with a tight 21-19 win in the second. And straight off he got to a 11-3 lead and despite Shesar reducing the gap to 12-10, the outcome in New Delhi was never in doubt.
It was a relief for Zii Jia after he was beaten in the first round of the Malaysian Open by rising Japanese shuttler Kodai Naraoka in three games.
There were also doubts that his sponsorship endorsement might be affected but sponsors Victor have reaffirmed their faith in Zii Jia and ensured continuity of their long term deal recently.
And it could have contributed to Zii Jia’s comeback win over Shesar yesterday.
Seasoned Malaysian campaigner Liew Daren, however, could not join Zii Jia in the second round after he conceded a walkover to veteran Dane Hans Kristian Vittinghus after trailing 9-11 in the first game.
A calf injury also forced the 35-year-old Daren to concede a walkover in the second round of the Malaysian Open to eventual champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark.
“Zii Jia played really well today (yesterday). Confidence wise, maybe, he was a little down but his form was good,” said Daren.
“As for me, my injury is not serious but I have not have recovered completely yet.”
Meanwhile, Ng Tze Yong’s campaign was over in the first round when he lost 21-19, 21-14 to Li Shifeng of China.
