Zii Jia, Justin can rise on Istora magic [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian men's singles players from different camps — Lee Zii Jia and Justin Hoh — will be hoping for the magic of the Istora Senayan for a breakthrough at the Indonesia Masters in Jakarta tomorrow.

A former world No. 2 but currently ranked No. 103 following an injury layoff, independent shuttler Zii Jia will need a special performance at the Istora, which is known as a pressure cooker created by badminton-crazy fans.

While the partisan Indonesian supporters will root for their own stars, they are also known to support Malaysians when their own players are not involved.

Zii Jia, who has lost in the first round in his last seven starts since the World Championships in August, will be trying to avoid a similar fate when he plays Indian veteran H.S. Prannoy in his opening match.

World No. 35 Prannoy holds a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head but Zii Jia, a popular player in the region, will be hoping for the fans at the Istora to get him going.

Meanwhile national singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen said playing at the Istora is almost like playing at the Malaysia Open or the Malaysia Masters, and he urged world No. 37 Justin to thrive at the iconic venue.

BAM shuttler Justin opens his campaign against China's world No. 28 Wang Zheng Xing, whom he beat in their only meeting, at last year's Korea Open.

"It's an interesting match for Justin as I think it will be the first time for him playing at the Istora Senayan, which is an experience. In my opinion, when you go there, you need to cherish it," said Jonassen.

"This opportunity is unique, like playing at home at the Malaysia Open or Malaysia Masters; you need to cherish those moments where it's an exciting crowd.

"The one that I believe deals the best with the environment there — the draught, the crowd — will have the biggest success.

"The Chinese player is very skilful and you cannot play to his rhythm. Justin has to control the rhythm of the game and be more aggressive of the two."

Jonassen said the withdrawal of world No. 30 Leong Jun Hao was inevitable as he had to deal with some niggles, and believed the next few weeks will help raise his performance at the All England on March 3-8.

"He was dealing with some body-related issues. I wouldn't call it injuries, but when you practise hard to keep improving yourself, you do get some niggles," said Jonassen.

Meanwhile, women's world No. 43 Wong Ling Ching passed her first test with a 21-9, 21-18 win over Japan's world No. 69 Kaoru Sugiyama in the Indonesia Masters qualifying round today, and will next meet Thailand's world No. 36 Pitchamon Opatniputh in the main draw first round.

World No. 42 K. Letshanaa, also playing in her first tournament of the year, will take on Taiwan's world No. 34 Hsu Wen Chi in the first round.