Defending champion Lee Zii Jia is set to make his return at the Australian Open (Nov 18–23), after being listed in the tournament’s qualifying report released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Friday (Oct 10).
He will be joined by fellow Malaysians Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin in the men’s singles field. If Zii Jia remains in the draw until the Nov 10 withdrawal deadline, it would confirm his recovery from a back injury that had sidelined him in recent weeks.
Zii Jia clinched last year’s Australian Open title after defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in the final.
The 27-year-old has been struggling with injuries this year, including an ankle issue earlier in the season. On Oct 1, Team LZJ announced that he was advised to undergo a rehabilitation programme for his back, forcing him out of the Denmark Open, French Open, and Hylo Open.
He last competed at the World Championships in France, followed by the Hong Kong Open and China Masters, but was eliminated in the opening round at both events.
About the Author
