KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia has brushed aside his quarter-final exit at the Thailand Open last week, shifting his focus towards the Malaysia Masters that starts on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old national men's singles shuttler, however, will have to work hard if he wants to reach the main draw of the competition.
Zii Jia is hoping to regain the same kind of form that saw him end last year on a strong note.
When met at the Axiata Arena following the national squad's court testing session on Sunday, Zii Jia said: "I am slightly disappointed with my quarter-final exit at the Thailand Masters but it was my fault.
"After taking the lead in the second game, I lost focus. Things would have been very different had I won the second game.
"It's okay, there is no point in dwelling in that defeat because I've learned my lesson already."
He lost 21-11, 21-19 to Frenchman Brice Leverdez in Bangkok.
Zii Jia, who is the only BA of Malaysia (BAM) player in the men's singles event, will open his campaign against China's Zhou Zeqi, and will face the winner of the match between Thailand's Sitthikom Thammasin and China's Zhao Junpeng in the second round.
"Of course, there is some pressure being the only BAM player in the event, but I do not want to think too much about it.
"I have my personal goal and target but right now, it's more important for me to clear the qualifying round," added World No 42 Zii Jia.
The Kedah-born, who won the Macau Open title and reached the Korea Masters final last season, believes he is in great condition this year, despite his busy schedule with the SS Purple League.
"It was a little hectic at the start but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I know how to juggle my time, so it's not really a problem. In fact, I've had enough rest."
Joining Zii Jia in the men's singles event at the Malaysia Masters are independent shuttlers Liew Daren and Chong Wei Feng.