KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia's gallant run at the All England ended after he lost to China's Shi Yu Qi in the battle of two former champions.
Zii Jia, the 2021 winner, went down 21-19, 21-13 to 2018 champion Yu Qi in 42 minutes at the Utilita Arena Birmingham on Saturday.
It marked Zii Jia's fourth defeat in five meetings to Yu Qi and the second in a row following his previous loss at the Denmark Open final last October.
Despite the defeat, Zii Jia still deserves credit for responding positively to his recent setback on and off the court.
As for Yu Qi, he will be appearing in his third final at the All England on Sunday.
He finished runner-up to Lee Chong Wei in 2017 before overcoming six-time champion Lin Dan a year later for his sole title in the tournament.
"I'm a little disappointed for not making it to the final. Yu Qi played a very good game and strategy-wise, he had prepared well," Zii Jia told Badminton World Federation today.
Asked if he had learned anything from this week's outing, Zii Jia replied: "
To believe again in myself. I have had such a tough start this season, and I actually doubt that if I could ever come back.
"I think I have proven myself in this tournament. Yes, it may be just a semi-final, but I'll take it step by step, and I can only get better."