'Scary' Zii Jia leaves best friend Antonsen on edge

KUALA LUMPUR: Denmark's men's singles shuttler Anders Antonsen has declared that "it's scary to play" his best friend Lee Zii Jia ahead of their Arctic Open semi-final clash later on Saturday.

The independent world No. 56 had disposed of French world No. 2 Christo Popov in straight games in a quarter-final that lasted just 38 minutes, showing glimpses of the brilliance that helped him win the 2021 All England title.

Antonsen, who was forced to work hard for a 22-20, 21-19 win over former world junior champion and world No. 37 Hu Zhe An, added that he would be the underdog in the last four at the Vantaa Energia Areena.

"I think the way Zii Jia played today — he is a scary player for sure. If he can beat Christo the way he did, he can beat anyone," said Antonsen.

"I'll do my absolute best and fight very hard, and if I can finally beat Zii Jia, it's been a while since I last won against him.

"I'm going in as an underdog, doing my best and having some fun."

Despite consistently remaining in the world's top eight, Antonsen is locked at 5-5 with Zii Jia in their head-to-head record, while the Malaysian shuttler has won their last three meetings.

Antonsen's last victory over Zii Jia came in the first round of the Super 500 Kumamoto Masters in 2023.

Zii Jia, who won the Arctic Open in 2024, has been a revelation at this year's tournament and is relishing his return to a venue where he has enjoyed success.

"I have a good record here, and it is good to be back at a place where I have won the title," said Zii Jia, hinting at his ambition to reach the final again.

Meanwhile, men's doubles scratch pair Aaron Tai-Yap Roy King will also be aiming to continue their giant-killing run and reach the final when they face Denmark's Christian Faust Kjaer-Rasmus Kjaer in the last four on Saturday.

Aaron-Roy King, one of the pairs being tested as part of the doubles reshuffle, defeated Thailand's Peeratchai Sukphun-Pakkapon Teeraratsakul 21-13, 21-19 in the quarter-finals on Friday to extend their fiery run.

Reaching the title showdown would make it four consecutive editions in which a Malaysian pair have reached the final since the tournament resumed after the Covid-19 pandemic in 2023.

World No. 12 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun finished runners-up in 2023, while world No. 6 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani were champions in 2024. World No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik finished second last year.