KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia's shock exit in the third round of badminton's World Championships today has sparked a war of words on social media between badminton fans.
Zii Jia's bold claim of wanting to be the first Malaysian world champion fell flat when he was beaten 21-19, 11-21, 21-19 in the last 16 by China's Zhao Jun Peng
World No 5 Zii Jia first courted controversy when he quit the national team in January this year to turn professional after accepting a lucrative sponsorship deal.
After winning the Asian Championships title and Thailand Open in May, Zii Jia, 24, drew more criticism from the sports fraternity when he dropped a bombshell by announcing his withdrawal from the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He cited the reason of wanting to focus on the World Championships, and his goal is the title.
Following Zii Jia's failure in Tokyo, he can expect to be smashed by critics.
"He skipped the Commonwealth Games to rest for the world meet, now he can continue resting," read one comment on the BAM Instagram page.
"He could have at least won the Commonwealth Games gold medal, now he doesn't have both the Commonwealth Games gold or the World Championships title. Be humble," read another.
Not all were against the former All England champion though. Several fans were quick to show their support for the fallen shuttler.
"Everyone will be out to get him now, don't worry Zii Jia, come back stronger, we are still rooting for you," said one fan.
"There is still the World Championships next year and the 2024 Paris Olympics, you can do this champ," said another of his fans.
However, Zii Jia is not the only big name to suffer an early loss at the world meet.
Among those who were sent packing early were world No 2 Kento Momota of Japan in the second round, world No 3 Anders Antonsen of Denmark (first round) and another hot favourite for the title, the recently crowned Commonwealth Games champion, Lakshya Sen of India (third round).