AFP, Birmingham :
Lee Zii Jia shocked two-time world champion Kento Momota to reach the semi-finals of the All England Open Badminton on Friday.
The Malaysian beat the world number one 21-16, 21-19 to end his Japanese opponent’s tournament after a much-anticipated return to international action this week. The pair went blow-for-blow up until the interval, taken at 11-8. Lee surged on from there, matching Momota’s razor-sharp movement to win seven straight points and take the first game 21-16.
The 22-year-old drove home his advantage, stretching out to an 11-6 lead at the break in a white-knuckle second game in the empty arena in Birmingham. Lee saw a net cord go his way to make it 20-19 and he went on to seal the match against the 2019 champion.
“I’ve never beaten him before, so this is a very special moment for me,” said the Malaysian, who has long been a keen follower of the Japanese player.
“I did a lot of studying about Momota. Every time I played him, it seems like there’s a big gap between us.
