Lee Zii Jia Beats Japan's Kenta Nishimoto In Straight Games In All England 2022
The national number one player took 43 minutes to defeat the Japanese player.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 17 Mar 2022, 10:43 AM
Malaysian shuttler Lee Zii Jia has beaten Kenta Nishimoto of Japan in the 2022 All England Open last night, 16 March
The national number one player got off to a flying start in his first match of the championship, which took place in Birmingham, UK, reported The Star.
During the match, Lee defeated Nishimoto in straight games with scores of 21-16 and 21-17.
The Kedah-born shuttler took 43 minutes to beat Nishimoto, who is currently the world number 20 player.
Prior to the match, Lee said he would not think about defending the championship but wishes to only enjoy every game he plays
Speaking to Astro Awani, he said he felt "fresh" after getting enough rest from the last tournament and was ready to perform.
On 21 March last year, Lee caught national and worldwide attention after clinching the All England title, which led to a commentator saying, "A star is born".
In a post on China's social media platform Weibo published this morning, 17 March, Lee wrote in the caption photo of himself, "Finally, will wash and sleep. Will continue tomorrow!"
Meanwhile, men's doubles players Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi, as well as men's singles player Liew Daren have also advanced to the next round
According to Free Malaysia Today, Ong and Teo defeated English players Callum Hemming and Steven Stallwood with scores of 21-14 and 21-12.
Liew, at the same time, defeated Toma Junior Popov of France with scores of 21-15 and 21-19.
His next match will be a challenging one, as he will be facing world number four player Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan.
Lee Zii Jia will be facing Canada's Brian Yang next.
