An all-Malaysian MS last 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 staff. On this high-stakes battle each gamers wanted Gold however just one may stand on the prime of the rostrum when Negaraku performed.
The tenacious progress of NTY since his very good performances on the final Commonwealth Video games – together with his dispatch of Viktor Axelsen at this 12 months’s All England – reveal a participant who’s poised to problem one of the best on the planet. In distinction, LZJ has weathered a really up-and-down 12 months and suffered an extra of pointless media scrutiny because of this. However, he’s within the technique of refining his recreation; cultivating endurance and slicing errors. Recreation on!
Set 1: Benefit Lee Zii Jia 21-14
With a smash velocity constantly greater 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 kind 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 present 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 stream 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 probability to breath. It was a tricky 39 minutes for NTY however his progress to the ultimate confirmed his spectacular progress. 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 had been really on the rostrum to Queen’s We Are The Champions. I feel the ‘We’ is suitable!
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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