Lee Zii Jia returns against Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen during the men’s singles final of the All England Open Badminton Championship at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, central England, March 21, 2021. — AFP picKUALA LUMPUR, March 25 — Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia downplayed expectations today that he could win the country’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo following his breakthrough victory at the All England Open.
The 22-year-old defeated Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen 30-29, 20-22, 21-9 at the weekend to win the All England, one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, for the first time. On his way to victory, he also beat two-time world champion Kento Momota, and is now seen as Malaysia’s best hope to win Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games this summer.
Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei came achingly close to winning gold but never achieved it, picking up three Olympic silvers during his career. But today, Lee Zii Jia brushed off questions about his chances of bringing home Malaysia’s first gold from Tokyo.“So far, the progress is going well, so I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself.He also downplayed suggestions that he is the heir to Lee Chong Wei, who was one the greatest players of his generation until his retirement in 2019.“His achievement is unbreakable, his record is unbreakable, he’s a legend.
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