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KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia was hailed as a “hero” on Monday (March 22) after winning the All England Open and igniting Malaysia’s hopes of success at the Tokyo Olympics, even without retired legend Lee Chong Wei. .
The young Malaysian star defeated Danish Viktor Axelsen 30-29, 20-22, 21-9 on Sunday to win All England, one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, for the first time.
On his way to victory, the 22-year-old also beat two-time world champion Kento Momota, who was returning to international action after sustaining an injury in a car accident in Malaysia last year.
“Well done Lee Zii Jia! You are a national hero,” Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin posted on Facebook.
“Use this victory as a catalyst to work harder and be bigger in the future.”
Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia defeated Danish Viktor Axelsen in the men’s individual final. (Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis)
The Star newspaper praised the 10th-ranked Lee’s victory as a “breakthrough on the international stage”, declaring, “A new star has been born.”
The victory added to hopes that Malaysia has found a player to continue the country’s success in badminton following Lee Chong Wei’s retirement in 2019.
The oldest of the Lees was a three-time Olympic silver medalist and one of the best players of his generation.
Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, praised Lee Zii Jia’s victory as a “real achievement”.
Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia poses with the winner’s trophy alongside Denmark’s runner-up Viktor Axelsen after the men’s singles final on the final day of the All England Open Badminton Championship at Utilita Arena in Birmingham, central England, on 21st March 2021. (Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis)
“It bodes well for our plan to bring in new young players after Lee Chong Wei’s retirement … and to maintain Malaysia’s presence on the international stage as a powerhouse,” he told AFP.
It came a few months before the Tokyo Olympics, which delayed the virus, but some Asian countries, especially the Chinese powerhouse, did not send players to the All England tournament.
And Norza refused to be lured by young Lee’s chances at the Games.
“I don’t want to push him. My advice to him is to stick with it, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
