Lee Zii Jia Breaks First-Round Jinx With Comeback Win at US Open Following Prolonged Injury

On a Wednesday morning inside the Titan Gymnasium at California State University, Fullerton, Malaysian badminton star Lee Zii Jia finally exhaled. The former world number two and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist secured his first victory of the 2026 season, defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Hai Dang 21-15, 21-17 in the opening round of the US Open. The straight-games win, dispatched in a crisp 40 minutes, was far more than a routine progression in a BWF Super 300 event; it marked the end of a grueling 18-month physical and psychological ordeal.[1][2]

For Lee, the victory snapped a devastating 'first-round jinx' that had plagued his comeback attempts throughout the first half of 2026. Prior to arriving in California, the 28-year-old had suffered five consecutive opening-round exits, including early departures at the Malaysia Open, the India Open, and most recently, the Macau Open earlier in June. His world ranking had plummeted to number 63 as he struggled to find his footing on the court.[1][6]

The downhill slide began shortly after his triumphant podium finish in Paris. During the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou in December 2024, Lee sustained a severe right ankle ligament tear, which was soon compounded by lingering, chronic back pain. The dual injuries severely compromised his explosive movement, stripping away the foundation of his aggressive, high-flying game.[4][5]

Throughout 2025, Lee attempted to play through the discomfort, managing only a handful of appearances before his body forced a hard reset. In November 2025, he made the difficult decision to completely shut down his season, withdrawing from the Syed Modi India International and all remaining events. At the time, he candidly admitted that the year had been a 'tough lesson in managing both body and mind,' acknowledging the stark contrast between days he felt invincible and days he was crippled by nagging pain.[4][5]

The rehabilitation process was arduous, requiring close collaboration with medical experts to rebuild his physical resilience from the ground up. When he finally returned to the BWF World Tour in early 2026, the rust was evident. Opponents capitalized on his hesitation, and the string of early losses led some observers to question whether the prolonged injury marked the beginning of the end for his brilliant career.[1][4]

However, the US Open provided the perfect, lower-pressure environment for a reset. Against the 32nd-ranked Nguyen, Lee showcased a mature, evolved style of play. Rather than relying solely on his trademark devastating jump smashes, the Malaysian appeared calm and controlled, dictating the pace of the rallies and testing his opponent's adaptability at the net. Despite Nguyen going on the offensive for extended stretches, Lee absorbed the pressure and executed his shots with precision.[1][2]

Malaysian media immediately hailed the 40-minute victory as a 'kiss of life' for the embattled shuttler. The emotional weight of the win was palpable, serving as a critical confidence booster for a player who had spent the better part of a year trapped in a cycle of rehabilitation and disappointment. It proved that his body could once again withstand the rigors of international competition.[1]

The path forward in Fullerton remains challenging. In the second round, Lee is slated to face seasoned Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth, a former world number one who easily dispatched his own first-round opponent in just 30 minutes. Srikanth, currently ranked 38th, represents a significant step up in competition and will serve as a true litmus test for Lee's recovered mobility.[3]

Regardless of the outcome against Srikanth, Lee's opening-round triumph in California stands as a testament to the resilience required in elite sports. For athletes navigating the dark tunnel of chronic injury, his return offers a hopeful blueprint: that with patience, medical diligence, and the willingness to adapt one's game, a second act is always possible.