Badminton News: Denmark Open preview - Lee Zii Jia trains with the world's number one

This year's tournament will commence on October 18 and end on October 23, 2022. There are reports about Malaysian badminton player Lee Zii Jia's preparation before the beginning of the event. 

The world's number three will train with Danish stars Viktor Axelsen and Anders Antonsen before the game takes off. "I've been in touch with Antonsen and Axelsen," said Zii Jia. 

"I will be heading there a week before the Denmark Open begins to train with them," Lee was reported telling Stadium Astro during his media day at the Sports Arena Sentosa on Saturday.

The Asian champion wants to increase his level for the upcoming European leg, including the French Open (October 25-30). His plans include competing at the Hylo Open in Germany and the Australia Open in November. 

The BWF World Tour Finals will wrap up the tournament series, the concluding event of the 2022 calendar. The newly turned number three is on a mission to redeem himself after early round exits at his last three events - Malaysia Open, World Championships, and Japan Open.

He shot up the intensity in his training regime after taking a brief break. "I took a trip just to get away from everything for a while. I've come back refreshed, and I want to start doing well again," the Malaysian shared. 

Despite experiencing ups and downs, he believes the process will push him forward. Lee's team also released Team LZJ x Paris Project earlier this week as a foreword to his Olympics journey in 2024.

After intensive training, he will reportedly return to Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara to train if the conditions there accommodate his needs. 

Lee is the first player to be backed up by a full-fledged team featuring coach Indra Wijaya, assistant coach Liew Daren, physiotherapist Sandra Fielder, fitness coach Lim Joe Hang and two sparring partners. 

"So far, we're doing alright. It is not really about what he has and doesn't," said his sister, Zii Yii. "More importantly is what Zii Jia needs to focus on his own preparation," she continued. 

When will Lee Zii Jia and his team fly to Denmark?

Zii Jia has announced that he and his team will fly to Denmark a week before the Super 750 Denmark Open. His training session will begin alongside reigning Olympic and world champion Viktor Axelsen and his compatriot Anders Antonsen.

Zii Jia has also entertained the possibility of him competing in the Hylo Open from November 1 to November 6, 2022, followed by the Australia Open from November 15 to November 20, which would earn him the points needed to qualify for the season-ending World Tour Finals on December 14-18.