Axelsen tips Zii Jia to trouble rivals at World Championships

KUALA LUMPUR: Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has warned rivals not to underestimate Lee Zii Jia when he makes his comeback at next week’s Paris World Championships.

The Dane said world No. 52 Zii Jia is “not fun to play” when he is in full attacking mode.

The tournament will be the Malaysian’s first since the All England in March, after recovering from the ankle injury he sustained last December.

Axelsen’s words will not be lost on Zii Jia’s first-round opponent — South Korea‘s world No. 38 Jeon Hyeok Jin — or China‘s world No. 4 Li Shi Feng, who could face him in the second round when the event gets underway at the Adidas Arena on Monday.

“He’s not a fun opponent to meet if he is playing attacking well. You don’t want to see him early in a tournament,” Axelsen said on The Average Not Average podcast.

“If his smashes are accurate and the timing is there, you’re under pressure. Because of his style, you don’t settle into rhythm, and if you haven’t faced him for a while, it’s tough — if he plays well.”

But the former world No. 1, who has pulled out of Paris with a back injury, also sounded a note of caution.

“He’s just coming back, and the World Championships is a tough place to start firing on all cylinders,” added Axelsen.

“I don’t know about his current level, so it’s very hard to say. But let’s see.”

Axelsen knows better than most — he lost to Zii Jia in the 2021 All England final.

His remarks may have sounded the alarm for Zii Jia’s rivals, but they could also hand the Malaysian a timely boost of confidence before his return.

Zii Jia, who has only played the Orleans Masters and All England in the past nine months, broke his silence on Friday with a message on his team’s X account:

“Paris, I’m back. It’s been a while, and the World Championships will be my first tournament back after an extended break.

“I’m not putting much pressure on myself. I’ll just try to enjoy being back on court, and, most importantly, complete the campaign in Paris injury-free.”

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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