There’s encouraging news for Malaysian badminton fans and supporters of Lee Zii Jia. The independent men’s singles star is slated to make his much-anticipated return to competitive action at the Japan Open 2025, scheduled to take place from July 15 to 20. This tournament marks a crucial step in Zii Jia’s road to recovery and potential re-entry into the upper echelons of the BWF World Rankings.
Lee Zii Jia’s Rankings Drop Following Injury Setback
Once ranked among the world’s top 10 players, Zii Jia has seen his world ranking tumble to No. 21 due to limited tournament participation in 2025. The dip in form and ranking stems from a lingering right ankle injury he sustained during the World Tour Finals in December 2024. Since then, the 26-year-old has only competed in two events this year.
His last appearance came at the prestigious All England Open in March, where he suffered an early exit in the first round. The disappointing result was followed by his withdrawal from the Badminton Asia Championships held in China in April as he prioritized recovery and rehabilitation over risking further injury.
Japan Open: A Crucial Warm-Up Before World Championships in Paris
Although Lee Zii Jia’s fitness status remains under watch, his participation in the Japan Open is seen as a pivotal step toward gaining match sharpness ahead of the 2025 BWF World Championships, set for August 25–31 in Paris, France. With limited top-tier tournaments remaining before the season’s biggest event, the Japan Open and the China Open (July 22–27) represent his best opportunities to regain momentum, form, and critical ranking points.
Returning to competition in Tokyo will provide Zii Jia with a much-needed platform to test his physical readiness, sharpen his on-court instincts, and challenge himself against the sport’s top names in a high-stakes environment.
Absence of Ng Tze Yong Leaves Bigger Void in Malaysian Men’s Singles Line-Up
Zii Jia’s comeback also coincides with an unfortunate and extended absence of national shuttler Ng Tze Yong, who is currently sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The injury, which requires surgery, is projected to keep the rising star out of action for up to a year.
This will be Tze Yong’s second long-term injury setback after undergoing two back surgeries, which previously ruled him out for 14 months beginning in January 2024. His absence places even greater importance on Zii Jia’s return as Malaysia’s top men’s singles hope in major international events.
Star-Studded Field Expected at Japan Open – Except for Viktor Axelsen
The men’s singles competition at the 2025 Japan Open is expected to feature a world-class field, making it a thrilling and challenging tournament. However, world No. 9 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark will not be part of the action, as he continues to recover from back surgery. The absence of the Olympic champion opens up the draw slightly, giving Zii Jia and other contenders a better shot at advancing deep into the tournament.
Mixed Doubles Duo Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Si Yin Also Return
In more positive news for Malaysian badminton, mixed doubles world No. 13 pair Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Si Yin will also make their return at the Japan Open. The duo had missed three consecutive tournaments — the Malaysia Masters, Singapore Open, and Indonesia Open — due to an ankle injury sustained by Si Yin.
Despite their recent setbacks, the pair have done well to maintain their world ranking. So far in 2025, their best results came from quarter-final appearances at the Orleans Masters and the Indonesia Masters. They’ll be aiming to go beyond that in Tokyo as they seek to regain consistency and competitive rhythm.
As Lee Zii Jia prepares to make his long-awaited return at the Japan Open 2025, all eyes will be on how the Malaysian star fares in his quest to reclaim a spot in the world’s top 10. With only a handful of tournaments left before the World Championships, this return could shape the course of his season. His comeback also offers a beacon of hope for Malaysian fans amid injury woes affecting other top players like Ng Tze Yong.
Stay tuned as Zii Jia steps back onto the court, ready to prove that he still belongs among badminton’s global elite.
ALSO READ :
