KUALA LUMPUR: For a split second, Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia thought to himself: "Not the first round again."
On Wednesday, the world No. 10 did not disappoint the fans at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, when he clawed back from a game down to defeat China's Zhao Jun Peng 19-21, 21-11, 21-14 in the first round of the Malaysia Masters.
Fresh from winning the Thailand Open last week, Zii Jia said he is still riding high on the confidence and momentum he gained in Bangkok.
"I'm very happy to get the win, although I lost the first game. Jun Peng is a tough opponent who has beaten me before so yes, I'm very happy to get the win.
"As I have mentioned, the confidence found in Thailand really helped me manage the disappointment of losing the first game.
"Honestly, I thought to myself 'not the first round again'. I'm happy I managed to play my best game in the second and third games to get the win," Zii Jia said in his post-match interview.
Zii Jia, who has never made it past the second round of the competition since his semi-final appearance in 2020, will play India's Kiran George next for a place in Friday's quarter-finals.
On what he expects when up against the world No. 36, Zii Jia added: "Players like Kiran are what you would call a rising star.
"I have to be wary because players like him will have no pressure, no fear and will go all out to get the upset.
"This is a challenge I have to manage. I hope I can continue my good form for a long time."
Also reaching the second round on Wednesday was Leong Jun Hao.
The former Asian junior champion defeated China's Lei Lan Xi 13-21, 23-21, 21-12 and will be up against Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng next.