Jun Hao to inflict early pain on Zii Jia?

KUALA LUMPUR: Can Leong Jun Hao knock out Lee Zii Jia in the Hong Kong Open next week?

That’s an intriguing match after the two Malaysian men’s singles were drawn against each other.

Olympic bronze medallist Zii Jia looks vulnerable following his poor performance at the recent Paris World Championships.

An off-colour Zii Jia, competing in his first tournament in five months, lost in straight games to South Korea‘s Jeon Hyeok Jin in the opening round of the world meet.

World No. 23 Jun Hao squandered a match point before bowing out in the second round to Japan’s Kenta Nishimoto.

Though Zii Jia won all the three previous encounters against Jun Hao, doubts remain over his match fitness following his poor showing in Paris.

If Jun Hao maintains his momentum, he could send Zii Jia packing early in Hong Kong.

The winner of the Jun Hao vs Zii Jia match is expected to meet France’s world No. 13 Toma Junior Popov in the second round.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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