Zii Jia included in Thomas Cup squad

 BAM says the Olympic bronze medallist will spearhead the singles challenge alongside Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.

Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia is bound for Horsens, Denmark, where the Thomas and Uber Cup finals will be played from April 24 to May 3. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia has been named in Malaysia’s squad for the 2026 Thomas Cup finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24 to May 3.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said today the Olympic bronze medallist will spearhead the singles challenge alongside Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin.

The inclusion of Zii Jia, 28, is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s bid to reclaim the title, which they last won in 1992.

In the men’s doubles, the challenge will be led by world No 2 pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, who will have Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for company.

Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, England and Finland.

In the Uber Cup finals, to be played at the same time, Pearly Tan-M Thinaah return as the mainstay in the women’s doubles, alongside young pair Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting and Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah.

Pearly-Thinaah had skipped the 2024 edition in Chengdu, China, to focus on preparations for the Paris Olympics.

In the women’s singles, K Letshanaa will lead the charge, supported by Wong Ling Ching, Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Goh Jin Wei.

The women’s team has also been drawn in Group B, alongside Japan, Turkey and South Africa. - FMT