Kuala Lumpur: Lee Zii Jia and Ng Tze Yong have opted to withdraw from the upcoming 2023 Korea Masters set to commence in Gwangju, Korea on Tuesday.
As per the tournament schedule, Lee, seeded second, was originally slated to face the former two-time world champion, Kento Momota of Japan, in the opening round of this Super 300 event at the Gwangju Women’s University Stadium. However, his spot has now been filled by Wang Po Wei of Chinese Taipei.
Lee’s team communicated the withdrawal decision on social media, explaining that it was based on advice from medical and physical experts, who recommended a longer period of rest for Lee.
“After consulting with doctors and physical experts, Team LZJ believes it’s best for Lee Zii Jia to take some additional time to recuperate before returning to action. There’s no need for serious concern. Thank you for the well wishes, and we’ll see you all soon! ✌️”
After consultation with the doctors and physical experts, Team LZJ agrees that its best for Lee Zii Jia to take a little bit more time to rest before coming back to action.
Nothing serious to worry about, thanks for the well wishes and see you all soon✌️ pic.twitter.com/3YE7tk4U9S
— Team LZJ (@TeamLZJ) November 6, 2023
In October, Lee broke his title drought on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour by clinching victory at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland. During that tournament, he defeated fellow compatriot Ng Tze Yong with a score of 21-14, 21-15 in just 40 minutes, marking the end of his title quest since his previous triumph at the Thailand Open in May the previous year.
Following his success at the Arctic Open, the 25-year-old player reached the Denmark Open final but was defeated by Chinese player Weng Hong Yang with a score of 12-21, 6-21. However, Lee managed to avenge his loss to Weng in the first round of the French Open, although he could only advance to the quarter-finals before being bested by China’s Li Shi Feng.
In addition to Lee Zii Jia, Rexy Mainaky, the coaching director of the Malaysian badminton team, has disclosed that Ng Tze Yong will also be withdrawing from the Korea Masters.
Other Malaysian men’s singles players participating in the Korea Masters include Leong Jun Hao, who recently clinched victory at the KL Masters last Sunday, and Soong Joo Ven.
