Badminton

Yonex Badminton: Zii Jia’s disappointing output at Japan Open 2022

Yonex Badminton: Zii Jia’s disappointing output at Japan Open 2022

Daihatsu Yonex Badminton or also known as Japan Open 2022 ended with many shocking results including Zii Jia’s disappointing output. 

The Daihatsu Yonex Japan Open 2022 wrapped up last September 4, Sunday as the men’s and women’s single topped by Kenta Nishimoto (Men’s single) and Akane Yamaguchi (Women’s single). While the 24 year old number one Malaysian Shuttler and fourth in the world embraced his bitter fate with a defeat over the World number 14 in Srikanth Kidambi on a scoreline of 22-20; 23-21.

Lee Zii Jia and his series of stunning loss and struggle

The 24 year old Lee Zii Jia saw his fate crumble at the men’s single first round of Japan Open 2022 with a stunning defeat over India’ Srikanth Kadambi in just two close scoring meetings: 22-20, 23-21. This disappointing campaign in Japan Open highlighted by his early exit (his first since Indonesia Open last November) is also a follow up of his BWF World Campaign, also held in Japan where he bounced out of the Round of 16 over Zhao Junpeng in three meetings. 

According to a news outlet, an anonymous former international believes Zii Jia must hire an experienced advisor to reset and rebuild his confidence in a professional stage.

 “It is obvious that Zii Jia is struggling to cope with pressure,” says the former international. “He needs more help and proper guidance. It would be good if he gets someone to advise him on expectations, tournament planning, training program, public relations and image. He also needs better sparring partners. The sparring quality is definitely lacking at the moment,” he added. “He probably did not feel the effect too much in the first few months after leaving the national team as he was still in good shape, but the same cannot be said now.” The former international also hopes for the World number 4 to have a redemption campaign soon.

Kenta Nishimoto dominates men’s single

The road to the men’s single title for Kenta Nishimoto was very tough as he faced a series of dominant and powerhouse players including the Indian sensation Lakshya Sen (the former World Junior number 1) in the first round. The first set is won by Sen with the score of 21-18. But Nishimoto turned the table around and stole the favor on his side by winning the last two sets 21-14 and 21-13. Then he faced two Indonesia stars in Jonatan Christie in the second round (15-21, 21-13, 21-18) and Dwi Wardoyo in the quarter finals (14-21, 21-17, 21-18). In the semi-finals he faced a strong opponent in Anders Antonsen and beat him in two tight meetings (22-20, 21-19). Then in the finals, he had an exciting picnic with Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in 3 sets (19-21, 23-21, 21-17) to get the Japan Open 2022 title. 

Akane Yamaguchi wins third straight title

Yamaguchi once again displayed her World Champion quality by clinching her third straight title after dominating the Women’s single in BWF World Championship. Her path to third title was somehow a quite easy route as she dominated the first round against Nehwal of India (21-9,21-17) followed by second round matchup against Bingjao of China (18-21, 21-13, 21-12) and on quarterfinals against Thai’s Chochuwong (21-18, 21-18). On the semi-finals, she faced a familiar opponent in Chen Yufei and beating her in three meeting on the way to the Championship outing against An Se-young of Korea whom she beaten easily with the score lines of 21-9, 21-15. Yamaguchi’s win made the host Japan dominate the single’s division.

Exciting games and big wins as you visit 12BET where exclusive promotions await you. 

Visit 12BET login and join us to claim exclusive benefits and more.