{
  "id": 13334845,
  "title": "'Scary' Zii Jia leaves best friend Antonsen on edge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/scary-zii-jia-leaves-best-friend-antonsen-on-edge",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T05:28:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2026/10/1552294/scary-zii-jia-leaves-best-friend-antonsen-edge"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Denmark's men's singles shuttler Anders Antonsen expressed concern over playing his best friend Lee Zii Jia in the upcoming Arctic Open semi-final. The world No. 56 had earlier defeated French world No. 2 Christo Popov in a swift 38-minute quarter-final, showcasing the skill that led him to win the 2021 All England title. Antonsen, who lost a hard-fought 22-20, 21-19 match to former world junior champion Hu Zhe An, stated that Zii Jia is a \"scary player\" who could beat anyone. The Malaysian player admitted he would be the underdog in the final at the Vantaa Energia Areena but vowed to give his all and have fun. The two have an even head-to-head record, with Zii Jia winning their last three meetings. Zii Jia, who recently claimed the Arctic Open title, is eager to return to a venue where he has enjoyed success. Meanwhile, Aaron-Roy King will also hope to continue their impressive run in the men's doubles scratch, facing Denmark's Christian Faust and Kjaer-Rasmus Kjaer in the quarter-finals.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Anders Antonsen worries about playing best friend Lee Zii Jia.",
    "Zii Jia, world No. 56, won Arctic Open title in 2021.",
    "Antonsen and Zii Jia have even head-to-head record in recent meetings."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}