MEN’S singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s journey of redemption starts today in the Paris Olympics.
In his debut Olympics in Tokyo three years ago, Zii Jia went out in the round of 16 to China’s Chen Long and the 26-year-old is now determined to go further - all the way to gold.
Zii Jia will open his campaign in Group G against Sri Lanka’s world No 70 Viren Nettasinghe at the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle. The world No. 7 will then play Spain’s world No 62 Pablo Abian in the group.
He should cruise past both before a possible round of 16 clash against Indonesia’s 2021 bronze medallist Anthony Ginting.
In a heartfelt poem released on social media, Zii Jia made his intentions of realising his dream of capturing gold clear.
“The dream that I visualised everyday. The dream that I’m no longer afraid to face. The dream that is the Olympic gold,” wrote Zii Jia, who is one of the dark horses in a very competitive field.
While the likes of China’s world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, Denmark’s defending champion Viktor Axelsen, his teammate Anders Antonsen and Indonesia’s Asian and All-England champion Jonatan Christie are among the favourites for the gold, Zii Jia’s recent form gives him a fighting chance for at least for a medal.
The independent player captured the Thailand and Australian Open titles and finished runners-up in the Malaysian Masters in May and June.
Zii Jia will now look to get off to a perfect start with a win over the 21-year-old Viren, who is making his Olympics debut.
