Source:NURPHOTO/Kabir Jhangiani
[Saba Sports News] Lee Zii Jia’s team has released an official statement indicating that, after careful consideration and consulting medical experts, they have successfully applied for ranking protection for Lee Zii Jia according to Badminton World Federation regulations. The team also stated that they would do their utmost to assist Lee in his rehabilitation and training plan, and his return to the competition will depend on his recovery. It is reported that Lee sprained his ankle at the World Tour Finals last December, causing him to miss the Malaysia Open, India Open, and Indonesia Masters this year. In March, Lee returned to compete in the All England Badminton Open but had a recurrence of his injury and was eliminated in the first round. According to regulations, players ranked in the top 32 of the badminton world rankings can apply for ranking protection if they are unable to compete due to injury or other reasons. During this period, they are not required to compete and will not be penalized. After returning, they can still participate in higher-level tournaments of the BWF tour but cannot be seeded. The protection ranking period can last from three to twelve months, meaning Lee may not return until June this year, and he is certain to miss the Asian Badminton Championships scheduled for next month.