Lee Zii Jia is a man on a mission at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2024.

Form loss meant the 1.86m shuttler didn’t make the cut the last two editions and the Malaysian is determined to end the year on a high note this time around.

“To be honest, looking back, I’m quite disappointed I missed out but now that I’m here, I want to achieve something,” said Lee after marking his first season finale appearance in three years with a 21-13 21-15 Group A victory over Chou Tien Chen.

“I didn’t expect to win in straight games. We’ve met 10 times and we know each other’s game. So the difference was probably self-preparation. That’s very important and I did pretty well.”

Lee’s start in Hangzhou sets up nicely his duel tomorrow with Anders Antonsen; the winner will be favourite to wrest control of the group. The 26-year-old played down the significance of his recent results against the top-seeded Dane.

“Yes, I won the last two but he’s consistently done well after the Olympics. Every match against him is tough so I need to be ready,” Lee said. “The year’s best eight players are here so it’s a big challenge for everyone. I’m just focused on my own targets.”

Being able to count on the support of loved ones – his parents have made the trip to Hangzhou – is an added motivation.

“My whole team is here as well, doing their bit to bring me some positive energy. That’s a massive help.”

This is Lee’s third World Tour Finals. He exited his debut at the group stage in 2020 but reached the semifinals at the very next edition. If successful, the 2022 Asian champion will be the first Malaysian to triumph at a season finale since men’s pair Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong in 2016.

Malaysia are yet to produce a podium topper at the World Tour Finals, which started in 2018.

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WHAT OTHERS SAID

“No one can convince me to not retire. I took the decision before the Olympics. If I can get into the semifinals perhaps I will bring my newborn daughter July but she’s very small. (Anyway), it’s exciting to be back playing in China.” – Zheng Si Wei

“I’m happy to play my last event with Wang Chi-Lin and enjoy every single moment. I still feel pressure but I was smiling and enjoying myself on court.” – Lee Yang

“I felt jealous watching her partner other players. That’s why I had to take back my position to show I’m the person for her.” – Chen Qing Chen after her first match with Jia Yi Fan since winning the Olympic gold in early August