Perfect record intact as Zii Jia sends Popov packing
Professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia defeated Christo Popov to reach the Arctic Open semi-finals, maintaining his unbeaten record against the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Aaron Tai continues to show versatility by advancing in the doubles bracket with partner Yap Roy King.
Why it matters
These results are significant for the professional standing of Malaysian badminton players on the international World Tour circuit.
PETALING JAYA: Professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia proved once again that he remains a bogeyman for Christo Popov after knocking out the Frenchman to book his place in the Arctic Open semi-finals.
Popov came into the tournament as the world No. 2 and second seed, while Zii Jia was simply looking to see how far he could go after struggling for form in recent months.
But despite going into the match as the underdog, Zii Jia was clearly the better player as he won 21-11, 21-16 in just 38 minutes at the Energia Arena in Vantaa yesterday.
The victory also maintained Zii Jia’s perfect record against Popov, having beaten him in their previous two meetings, including at the 2024 Arctic Open.
Zii Jia will next face either China’s Hu Zhe’an or his close friend Anders Antonsen of Denmark for a place in the final.
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