KUCHING: Lee Zii Jia made a quiet statement in the latest world rankings, jumping 15 places to No. 67 after an unbeaten run in the Thomas Cup group stage in Horsens, Denmark recently.
The 28-year-old won all three of his matches in straight games before Malaysia bowed out 3-0 to China in the quarter-finals. It was not a deep run, but it was a sign. The rhythm is returning.
Elsewhere, the numbers told a different story. Leong Jun Hao slipped one spot to No. 26 after a difficult outing, admitting the tournament marked a low point following three defeats as Malaysia’s first singles.
In men’s doubles, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik held firm at No. 2, while Man Wei Chong and Tee Kai Wun stayed at No. 6. Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani dropped two places to No. 9 after a disrupted campaign.
The women’s ranks offered movement. K. Letshanaa and Wong Ling Ching edged up to No. 32 and No. 36 respectively, while Goh Jin Wei slipped to No. 54. Siti Zulaika Azmi made the biggest jump, climbing four spots to No. 85.
But it was the next generation that left the stronger impression. Low Zi Yu and Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan surged 12 places to No. 131 after their upset win over a world No. 7 Japanese pair in the group stage.
Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting also inched up to No. 20, while Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah remained at No. 2, with Pearly sidelined during the Uber Cup through injury.
The results may not have gone all the way, but the rankings hint at movement. Some climbing back. Others just getting started.
