Fans eager to know Lee Zii Jia’s condition will soon get their answer, as the Olympic bronze medallist is set to return to competition at the Malaysia Open from Jan 6–11 at the Axiata Arena.
After missing most of this year’s World Tour events, Zii Jia will make his comeback on one of the biggest stages. The Malaysia Open, a prestigious Super 1000 tournament, features the world’s top 30 players, making it a challenging arena for his highly anticipated return.
Zii Jia has struggled with injuries over the past year, including a right ankle issue from the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou and a more recent back injury. Now ranked world No. 84, his last appearance was at the China Masters in September, where he conceded a walkover to Taiwan’s Lin Chun Yi. Despite pulling out of every event since then, he previously shared on Instagram that he aims to return stronger in 2025.
The tournament’s strong lineup, led by China’s world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, means Leong Jun Hao (world No. 30) is the only other Malaysian to qualify for the men’s singles. Malaysia will not have representatives in the women’s singles.
In men’s doubles, world No. 1 Kim Won Ho–Seo Seung Jae headline the field, with seven Malaysian pairs included: Aaron Chia–Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei–Nur Izzuddin, Man Wei Chong–Tee Kai Wun, Wan Arif Junaidi–Yap Roy King, Nur Mohd Azriyn–Tan Wee Kiong, Ong Yew Sin–Teo Ee Yi, and Choong Hon Jian–Mohd Haikal.
Women’s doubles world No. 2 Pearly Tan–M. Thinaah will continue their rivalry with China’s top pair Liu Sheng Shu–Tan Ning. Go Pei Kee–Teoh Mei Xing and Carmen Ting–Ong Xin Yee will also compete.
In mixed doubles, world champions Chen Tang Jie–Toh Ee Wei lead the Malaysian squad, followed by Goh Soon Huat–Shevon Lai, Hoo Pang Ron–Cheng Su Yin, Jimmy Wong–Lai Pei Jing, and Wong Tien Ci–Lim Chiew Sien.
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