An all-Malaysian MS remaining on the Arctic open introduced us the lip-smacking prospect of Spicy Rooster versus the Mushroom – or, for these much less versed in Chinese language nicknames: LEE Zii Jia in opposition to NG Tze Yong. This conflict not solely promised an enthralling match for the impartial fan however was additionally an thrilling advert for the depth of expertise within the Malaysian workforce. On this high-stakes battle each gamers wanted Gold however just one might stand on the prime of the rostrum when Negaraku performed.
The tenacious progress of NTY since his excellent performances on the final Commonwealth Video games – together with his dispatch of Viktor Axelsen at this yr’s All England – reveal a participant who’s poised to problem the very best on the earth. In distinction, LZJ has weathered a really up-and-down yr and suffered an extra of pointless media scrutiny consequently. Nonetheless, he’s within the strategy of refining his recreation; cultivating endurance and reducing errors. Recreation on!
Set 1: Benefit Lee Zii Jia 21-14
With a smash pace constantly increased than 410kph LZJ went full throttle courtesy of an unwilling inexperienced gentle from NTY. Tze Yong struggled to comprise Zii Jia’s aggressive accuracy and was sucked right into a reactive recreation that stopped him from getting any form of foothold within the first set. It was throughout in 16 minutes.
Set 2
NG Tze Yong discovered himself bulldozed by the sheer brutality of LEE Zii Jia’s recreation. Normally, he can stay composed and counter an onslaught however at this time he struggled for concepts in opposition to his compatriot. Within the blink of an eye fixed LZJ had charged right into a 5-0 lead; he was fully dominant and having fun with the movement of his recreation. We solely noticed fleeting glimpses of what NTY is able to. He fought to claw his means again into the match however couldn’t halt the progress of LEE Zii Jia to a well-deserved Gold 21-15.
LEE Zii Jia got here to the match planning to provide Ng Tze Yong no likelihood to breath. It was a troublesome 39 minutes for NTY however his progress to the ultimate confirmed his spectacular development. In the meantime, Lee Zii Jia’s relentless attacking prowess was an exhilarating sight. What an thrilling day for followers of the 2 gamers.
Edit: The 2 of them have been truly on the rostrum to Queen’s We Are The Champions. I feel the ‘We’ is acceptable!
If you happen to loved this then check out one from my archives about LZJ https://womensbadminton.co.uk/2023/07/29/lee-zii-jia-and-plan-b/
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