Rashid backs Zii Jia to thrive under 15-point scoring
Rashid Sidek says Lee Zii Jia's attacking style could make him a threat under the 15-point format, starting at the Malaysia Open in January.
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Former international Datuk Rashid Sidek believes Lee Zii Jia’s aggressive play and powerful smashes could make him a major threat when badminton’s new 15-point scoring format begins in January. The system is set to start at the Super 1000 Malaysia Open, scheduled for Jan 21-31.
Rashid said Zii Jia’s recent performances in Europe showed he can start quickly and put opponents under pressure. World No. 42 Zii Jia is projected to enter the top 40 on Tuesday, a rise that should secure his qualification for the Malaysia Open.
Attacking play suits the shorter format
“Zii Jia’s game has changed, as he is now more aggressive and makes better use of his strengths, especially his smashes, to create opportunities. This is what Zii Jia is all about,” Rashid said.
He believes the shorter format will reward that approach. Rashid said Zii Jia could trouble top-10 opponents and rising younger players when he is in form, while continued strong tournament performances would keep his objective of playing at the 2028 Olympics alive.
Zii Jia reached the Arctic Open semi-finals in Vantaa, Finland, three weeks ago after beating several higher-ranked opponents, including France’s Christo Popov. Rashid said that European swing demonstrated Zii Jia’s ability to race to 15 points and suggested he could adapt quickly to the scoring change.
Encouraging signs despite illness
Zii Jia also reached the last 16 at the Hylo Open in Germany on Thursday despite a stomach ailment and fever. He beat Singapore’s Jason Teh before losing a three-game match to Japan’s world No. 9 Kodai Naraoka.
Rashid said Zii Jia’s body language in Germany remained positive despite his illness. He felt the player had shown a fighting spirit that was missing from his performances a few months earlier, although he added that Zii Jia still needs to improve physically.
Tournament plans ahead of January
Illness has forced Zii Jia to withdraw from next week’s Korea Open qualifiers in Yeosu. He is also fifth reserve for the qualifying rounds at the Kumamoto Masters from Nov 10-15 and the Hong Kong Open from Nov 17-22.
The former All England champion is confirmed for the main draw of the Super 300 Syed Modi International from Nov 24-29. He is the fourth seed there, behind top-ranked entry Arnaud Merkle of France.
Source: NST 羽球. This article was compiled by the iBET.news newsroom from the source report and other public information.
