KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 8 Lee Zii Jia is just one match away from booking a spot in the semi-finals of the World Tour Finals (WTF) after a sensational victory over world No. 2 Anders Antonsen in Hangzhou today.
Zii Jia secured a dominant 21-14, 21-19 win over the Dane in 47 minutes for his second consecutive victory in Group A.
The Malaysian shuttler ensured the Jalur Gemilang controversy—where the national flag emblem was stitched upside down on his jersey during his opening match against Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen—did not affect his focus.
Despite the off-court drama, Zii Jia displayed composure and delivered a confident performance, overcoming his good friend with ease.
The 25-year-old staged a thrilling comeback in the second game, rallying from 13-7 and 17-14 deficits to close out the match in straight games—a result that could prove decisive in the event of a countback to determine semi-finalists tomorrow.
"I knew it would be a tough game against Antonsen as he has been in fine form since the Olympics," Zii Jia said.
"Despite winning in straight games, the intensity on court was incredibly high.
"I think all the top players are here to win the title, and every match is going to be tough. I'm quite satisfied with my performance so far."
To confirm his spot in the semi-finals, Zii Jia must overcome world No. 6 Li Shi Feng in his final group match tomorrow.
Earlier, Shi Feng edged world No. 9 Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan 18-21, 21-14, 21-13 in 73 minutes.