Lee Zii Jia's encouraging run at the Canada Open ended in the semi-finals after the Malaysian was beaten by Japan's former world No. 1 Kento Momota in a hard-fought three-game encounter.
The defeat denied Lee a place in his first BWF World Tour final since returning from injury, but his performance throughout the tournament provided further evidence that the former All England champion is steadily rediscovering his best form.
Lee started the semi-final brightly and matched Momota throughout an intense opening game. However, the experienced Japanese shuttler gradually took control of the contest, using his trademark consistency and defensive discipline to edge ahead before sealing victory after three closely fought games.
The result ended an impressive week for the Malaysian, who had enjoyed one of his strongest performances in more than two years. Earlier in the tournament, Lee defeated Wang Po Wei in straight games to reach his first World Tour semi-final since winning the Australian Open in 2024.
Despite the loss, the Canada Open marked another positive step in Lee's comeback. After slipping down the world rankings during his injury layoff, the 27-year-old is expected to climb several places following his semi-final finish, moving him closer to the world's top 50 once again.
For Momota, the victory represents another encouraging chapter in his own resurgence. The Japanese star, who has been working his way back after a difficult period in recent years, showed flashes of the form that once made him the dominant force in men's singles, combining patience, precision and experience to outlast Lee.
Although Lee's campaign ended one match short of the final, his performances in Canada highlighted clear progress in both confidence and consistency. With several important tournaments still to come this season, the Malaysian will look to build on the momentum gained in Markham as he continues his climb back towards badminton's elite.
