Leading national men’s singles, Lee Zii Jia’s hopes of sealing his first title of the season have been denied by long-time rival, Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei.

The 21-year-old shuttler went down fighting 14-21 20-22 to the world No. 3 at the 46-minute semi-final encounter in Huamark Indoor Stadium, Bangkok. 

A week after an uncharacteristic first round exit in the Japan Open against Lee Cheuk Yin of Hong Kong, the Kedah-born Zii Jia has bounced back to qualify to his first semi-final appearance of the year.

For the record, Zii Jia has clocked in six quarterfinal appearances out of 11 tournaments participated in this season.

Photo Credit: Badmintonphoto