Lee Zii Jia Served World’s #1 Badminton Player With Iconic Backhand Smash, M’sians In Awe

Zii Jia was paired against the current world number one badminton player, Japan’s Kento Momota.

In the 27-second clip, the 21-year-old badminton player served a powerful backhand smash that not only stunned viewers, but Momota himself too.

The Japanese national player can also be seen gasping in awe (or probably in disbelief) after Zii Jia returned his serve not once but twice with a backhand smash.

Kali ini kami share extended version highlight backhand smash Lee Zii Jia ? @momota_kento ?? semalam.That first backhand smash...pemain no.1 dunia boleh terkedu bila terkena. ? #KoreaOpen2019 #HSBCBWFbadminton #HSBCRaceToGuangzhou #KamiTeamMalaysia pic.twitter.com/E7WMTMowOn

— Team Malaysia (@TeamMsia) September 28, 2019

The commentators were also very impressed with Zii Jia’s performance.

Zii Jia’s performance may be captivating, but it wasn’t enough to secure him a spot in the semi-finals after losing 15-21, 19-21.

However, Malaysia’s current no.1 singles player left a lasting impression on Malaysians.

Many rooted for him and deemed him to be the perfect candidate to fill in Lee Chong Wei’s legendary shoes.

Take a look at what Malaysians had to say about him:

Wow..Lee Zii Jia backhand smash skill, even momota surprise. https://t.co/wQbBS42E2H

— lady syafinaz (@JamainSyafinaz) October 1, 2019

OH MY GOD, that back hand smash! There's so much hope for our Badminton and he's only 21! Lee Zii Jia I'm rooting for you! Let's get that No.1 player title and trophies back to our country! https://t.co/Aj47J7jTlZ

— 리나 누나? Noodle Soup (@BTNoona52) October 1, 2019

Datuk Lee Chong Wei: Sorry guys I'm retiringMalaysia: Oh no siapa lagi mampu represent kitaLee Zii Jia: https://t.co/NB6yz1epbM

— arjun (@arjunthanaraju) September 30, 2019

wei apehal lee zii jia makin power ??

— fatin (@fahabiazI) September 29, 2019

Dulu Hafiz Hashim petik smash celah kangkang, sekarang Lee Zii Jia buat backhand smash.Malaysia tak pernah ketandusan bakat dalam sukan badminton. https://t.co/lWiz81Pifb

— Helang Jadian Pipit (@OfficialAdib) September 29, 2019

The opponent was like pic.twitter.com/0pxmJGhj7l

— Bobby (@_AmirulRazi) September 29, 2019

For those yg tak tahu Lee Zii Jia ni 16th in world ranking ye guys and he is only just 21 years old bruhhh. Imagine in another 5 years ?? https://t.co/Qewn1Tto5Y

— Otis (@neymarzx_) September 29, 2019

Power gila backhand smash dia .. take yr time Lee Zii Jia .. u can beat many top seeded one day and become world champ after LCW https://t.co/bZN3f5hmOm

— SueHF (@shfairus81) September 28, 2019

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director Wong Choong Hann says Zii Jia has a bright future if he works hard enough and improves himself.

“Zii Jia has shown tremendous improvement at the Korea Open. He’s now able to read his opponent’s playing patern smarter,” Choong Hann told Kosmo.