Go for broke: Lee Zii Jia will be the sole Malaysian men’s singles shuttler to take part in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou next month.
PETALING JAYA: The high number of representatives in the prestigious World Tour Finals from Dec 11-15 in Hangzhou has raised hopes of ending Malaysia’s title drought in the competition.
No Malaysian has won the tournament since it was changed from the Super Series Finals to the World Tour Finals in 2018.
This time, Malaysia have a better opportunity to end the wait for a winner after Lee Zii Jia (men’s singles), Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (men’s doubles), Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah (women’s doubles), Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie (mixed doubles) all booked their spots in the Finals.Only the top eight players in each category in the Race to Hangzhou rankings can qualify.
It was a huge improvement from last year where only Aaron-Wooi Yik and Tang Jie-Ee Wei made the cut.
In the Super Series era, men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong were the last Malaysian winners when they captured the title in 2016 in Dubai.
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky hopes at least one Malaysian representative can win the title this time.
“I’m happy to see so many Malaysians qualify for the Finals this time,” said Rexy.
“I hope we can at least win one title. I don’t want to be too greedy and ask for more winners but hopefully our players can perform well.”
In last year’s edition, both Aaron-Wooi Yik and Tang Jie-Ee Wei did not make it past the group stage.
The latter received a timely boost ahead of the Finals when they moved up from No. 10 to No. 8 in the latest world rankings after reaching the last four of the China Masters.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei did briefly reach their career best ranking of No. 8 at the end of 2023 but could not hold on for long.
The pair will be out to solidify their position in the world’s top eight this time with a good showing in the Finals.
Meanwhile, Sze Fei-Izzuddin will also be full of confidence after reaching a career-high No. 7 in the world recently.
It was another positive step for the independent pair, who have been flying high this year and captured the Japan, China and Arctic Opens.
Sze Fei-Izzuddin can add another feather in their cap by winning the Finals crown in what will be their first appearance in the tournament.
The group stage draw for the competition will be released on Dec 7.
