KUALA LUMPUR: A quick rematch between Paris Olympic medallists Lee Zii Jia and Kunlavut Vitidsarn is possible as the World Tour resumes with the Japan Open in Kanagawa next week.
Much is at stake given the event's Super 750 rating, the second-highest on the circuit, despite it being the first tournament after the Paris Games.
For 26-year-old Zii Jia, a strong performance could propel him into the world's top five for the first time in 15 months.
He has steadily climbed the world rankings, returning to the top 10 in April.
Thanks to victories at the Thailand Open and Australian Open, along with a bronze medal in Paris, he has risen to No. 6.
Zii Jia aims to maintain his momentum but faces strong competition in his path to the final, including Singapore's Loh Kean Yew, Thailand's Kunlavut, and China's Shi Yu Qi, all drawn in the upper half.
He will begin his campaign against China's world No. 25 Weng Hong Yang.
The pair are matched evenly with three wins each, but Zii Jia has won their two most recent encounters, including at the Indonesia Open in June.
Kean Yew, a Paris Games quarter-finalist, could be Zii Jia's opponent in the last 16, followed by a potential quarter-final clash with silver medallist Kunlavut.
Should this matchup occur, Zii Jia would be eager to prove himself after being outplayed in the semi-final at La Chapelle Arena.
World No. 1 Yu Qi would present a formidable challenge if Zii Jia reaches the semi-finals.
Yu Qi aims to rebound after an unexpected quarter-final exit in Paris, where Kunlavut eliminated him.
Denmark's Viktor Axelsen, buoyed by his successful Olympic gold medal defence, is drawn in the bottom half alongside countryman Anders Antonsen, Indonesia's Jonatan Christie, and Japan's Kodai Naraoka.
A well-rested Leong Jun Hao, who last reached the quarter-finals in Indonesia, hopes to continue his progress as he faces Japan's Takuma Obayashi in the opening round.
If successful, Jun Hao will need to overcome world No. 3 Antonsen to advance beyond the last 16.
Following his successful Paris 2024 campaign, Zii Jia shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his two-and-a-half-year journey as an independent shuttler.
"Finally to wrap up my second Olympics journey, this time I came back with a bronze medal from Paris," wrote Zii Jia.
"Huge acknowledgement to my team for making this dream a reality, proving that a professional team can go this far. I experienced ups and downs since 2022, and I'm proud that I didn't give up during those times of struggle.
"I am thrilled to have brought this bronze medal back to our country, and I am grateful to all my sponsors who supported me throughout this journey.
"Not forgetting my fellow Malaysians and my fans from all over the world, thank you for being my backbone and emotional support system. I will keep all those blessings with me as I continue my professional journey."