BWF Taipei Open 2026: Lee Zii Jia Battles Past Liao Jhuo-fu to Reach Round of 16
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia overcame a determined challenge from Chinese Taipei’s Liao Jhuo-fu to secure a place in the second round (Round of 16) at the BWF Taipei Open 2026 on Wednesday.
The Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist needed three games to seal the victory, winning 22-24, 21-12, 21-15 after more than an hour of competitive badminton.
Tough Opening Set
Lee appeared in control during the first game and held two game points, but Liao mounted a late comeback by winning the final three points to take the opening set 24-22.
The home crowd strongly backed Liao, who is currently ranked World No. 62, making the contest even more challenging for the Malaysian star.
Lee Responds Strongly
After dropping the opening game, Lee raised his level in the second set. He maintained the lead throughout and comfortably won 21-12, forcing the match into a deciding third game.
The final set remained closely contested early on before Lee pulled away after the scores were tied at 7-7, eventually closing out the match 21-15 to book his place in the next round.
Next Opponent
Lee Zii Jia will now face the winner of the match between Anthony Sinisuka Ginting of Indonesia and Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei in the Round of 16.
With the victory, Lee continues his campaign at the BWF Taipei Open as he looks to build momentum in the tournament.
