Zii Jia to face Anders in Olympics quarters after beating homester Toma


Lee Zii Jia

PETALING JAYA: Lee Zii Jia went one step better by reaching the men's singles quarter-finals in the Olympic Games for the first time at the Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle on Thursday.

The independent shuttler survived a late fightback from giantkiller Toma Junior Popov of France to secure a 21-13, 24-22 in the last 16 stage.

Zii Jia will face Denmark's Anders Antonsen next for a place in the semis.

Popov, who stunned 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting of Indonesia in the group stage to advance to the last 16, was spurred on by the local fans to continue his fairytale run but Zii Jia stood firm.

The Frenchman tried to stretch the match into the deciding game when he saved two match points at 18-20 but Zii Jia recovered to secure a 24-22 win.

Zii Jia said the home fans tried to rattle him.

“The fans were trying to disrupt my rhythm but I managed to calm myself down to secure this victory. It is a good improvement to progress into the quarter-finals," said Zii Jia.

UDA distributes RM60,000 zakat for back-to-school support

Zii Jia lost to China's Chen Long in the last 16 at his first Olympics in 2021 Tokyo.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In