jpnn.com, BALI - Malaysia's men's singles badminton player Lee Zii Jia again ended a tournament early.
After being knocked out in the first round of the 2021 Indonesia Masters due to injury last week, Zii Jia is now defeated in the first round of the 2021 Indonesia Open in a three-game game against Rasmus Gemke from Denmark.
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In the match, which took place at the Bali International Convention Center, Tuesday (23/11), Zii Jia lost with a score of 21-13, 23-25, and 16-21.
In terms of ranking, Zii Jia, who is currently entrenched in world number 7, is still superior to Gemke that is ranked 13th.
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After embracing the 2021 All England trophy, 23-year-old Zii Jia has not won any more titles.
Practically, Zii Jia's best achievement is runner-up at the 2021 Hylo Open.
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Zii Jia's defeat at the 2021 the Indonesia Open made the public speculate that the Malaysian player was being hit by extreme fatigue after not having had a break since the Sudirman Cup in Finland, September 26 to October 3.
However, his head coach, Hendrawan, said that Zii Jia was 100 percent fit.
"There was nothing to worry about. Zii Jia has recovered from his back injury, and he is no longer in pain," said Hendrawan.
The Indonesian badminton legend said that Zii Jia having to pack his suitcase early was simply because of the greatness of Gemke.
"We have to admit that the opponent was in much better condition. However, there is still time to bounce back, and we will try again in the World Tour Finals next week," said Hendrawan.
For Gemke, victory over Zii Jia saw him qualify for the top 16 of the 2021 Indonesia Open to challenge the host's representative, Shesar Hiren Rhustavito.
Shesar in the previous match defeated the Thai delegation, Sitthikom Thammasin, with a score of 21-12, 15-21, and 21-16. (nst/mcr15/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Pelatih Bongkar Biang Kerok Gugurnya Lee Zii Jia dari Indonesia Open 2021, Oh Ternyata