Lee Zii Jia, Malaysia’s top men’s singles shuttler, will not defend his Australian Open title after withdrawing from this year’s edition, as confirmed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The Super 500 tournament, scheduled to take place in Sydney from November 18 to 23, will now proceed without the 27-year-old, who joins Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and 2023 world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in sitting out the event.
Lee’s team has not issued an official statement on the withdrawal, but it is understood to be linked to his persistent lower back pain, which has sidelined him since the China Masters in September. The Malaysian retired from his opening-round match against Lin Chun-Yi after leading early in the decider.
Medical advice had earlier prompted Lee to undergo extended rehabilitation, forcing him to skip the Japan Masters, as well as the Denmark Open, French Open, and Hylo Open during the recent European swing.
Lee Zii Jia’s absence raises uncertainty over whether he will compete again this year. His only remaining entry on the BWF calendar is the Syed Modi India International from November 25 to 30.
The 2021 All England champion has endured an injury-plagued and inconsistent 2024 season, missing major tournaments including the Asian Games. Once seen as Malaysia’s next big hope after Lee Chong Wei, Lee has struggled with form and fitness since turning independent in 2022.
With Lee’s withdrawal, Malaysia’s men’s singles challenge in Sydney will now be led by Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, while Eogene Ewe and Lim Ming Hong will begin their campaigns in the qualifiers.
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A Testing Year for Lee Zii Jia
Lee’s 2025 season has been marked by injuries, inconsistency, and extended absences from the international circuit. Despite a strong showing at the Paris Olympics, where he clinched bronze, the Kedah-born star has struggled to sustain form and fitness since.
