How Koki Watanabe DESTROYED Lee Zii Jia at the 2024 China Open

[@Issemlenoil69]

Lzj said he hasn’t fully recovered. Is it related to his weird defensive stance? But his dangerous shots are disappearing anyway. Lzj in all England 2021 is a monster

[@justisebruno]

He needs to lose weight to be able to move like 2021, he doesn’t have the same stamina now, it’s 2024 stop looking at the past😂

[@Issemlenoil69]

@@justisebruno I’m not trying to bring up his past to glaze him. I just like him in that version. Sad that he can’t play like that anymore.

[@MarcusChan-ed2bh]

Ikr,it's like he didn't put any other effort in defending ,like too tired

[@Justlookingaround19]

​@@MarcusChan-ed2bh Axelsen is also a professional player.. LZJ doesn't know how to manage him self well plain and simple.

[@KCCHENG-b6e]

If not ready don't go out play play..it's embarrassing

[@djstr0b3]

He's clearly not playing well. It could be an injury, tiredness or ilness. It's not that Watanabe had an amazing strategy, LZJ didn't play well. At that level, even if you are 10% down, you can't win.

[@ElaEyeriz]

lzj is injured 😢

[@Justlookingaround19]

Injured my ass he was doing well from 0-8 and even till the opponent took over and won 21-15. You won't be able to score 8-0 if you claim you were injured. LZJ always comes up with the most ridiculous excuses.

[@djstr0b3]

@@Justlookingaround19 I wouldn't personally dismiss the possibility of an injury. Watanabe didn't play the first few points well. 4 unforced errors and other shots aren't top quality either. I can't give character certificates for players, but an injury or an illness would explain LZJs lack of movement in the court. And he may have started the match thinking that he could get pass it. But he couldn't. I would not be harsh to assume something else.

[@sid6645]

Yeah its interesting how LZJ's weakness part of the video was more insightful than Watanabe's attack. LZJ just couldn't play well that day.

[@RaizuJi]

true. you can clearly see he limit himself in defense. Watanabe saw this and immediately take advantage to go all out. on normal day LZJ would defeat koki easily

[@abhianikurapati3467]

I always felt LZJ only needed tactical improvement for his game and continue the rest of the training part. I didn't like his new coach touching his stroke action. Infact now I feel he's tactical a bit better but lost most of his strokes, defence and slices etc. (the main aim of the new style is to keep shots deceptive, but u can do it with the conventional stroke too. But new style u sacrifice ability to generate power. which I don't like at all from him)

[@justisebruno]

I already said he’s way slower after he gained weight, his footwork it’s smooth since the start, bronze medal is the highest achievement he can get in the Olympics

[@Koozwad]

at the same time viktor lost a lot of weight a while back, which enabled him to beat the current players fairly easily

[@TidalWaves-y1y]

Very good analysis. Thank you

[@justmemes4269]

Thank you for the analysis keep up this content quality and soon the badminton world will follow you

[@ben7107]

i just think he is not in it to compete , probably doing it for the sponsors. A lot of criticisms before Olympics but mostly died down after winning bronze. At this level I do think he should be ready to perform and act professionally and give his best out there. It is not about losing, but how you lose matters. Nobody expects you to win each time.

[@RaizuJi]

True. Losing 21-2 is very embarrassing for a player with such caliber. imo if it's true he's injured, he should just skip the tournament like Wooi Yik. Of course you have to recover quick, but it's better to delay than ruining your record.

[@csoffline7820]

precisely, Malaysians demonized Hannah for not being sensitive to LZJ's feelings when she showed admiration to Kun after Paris semifinals. China Open trashed 2-21, Malaysian supporters no feelings?

[@csoffline7820]

@@RaizuJi when he loses, he is always 'injured' if not racquet no luck. How often does he win? After each win, 'I am one of the best, silence critics, love for the game is back' Egocentric, narcissistic and immature.

[@seantan4702]

@@csoffline7820he’s a spoilt kid inside

[@Absolut531kmh]

Lzj had random sores even with the lightest exercises done. As u can see he did well the first half of the first set (8-0 and 9-1) and started dropping off, leading to 13 all thus losing. To not push his body further he probably decided to give up the match itself, hence 2-21.

[@vkshmshr]

U r the best at analysis. Keep doing it. U can be a very good coach.

[@zoeywlife]

koki watanabe won against lzj today in the artic open 2024. well done koki!

[@RMASUPERFLY]

LZJ must have a mental conditioning coach. It might be a head problem too. It helped Axelsen. Might be what LZJ needs to be consistent.

[@rosesofea777]

Lee zii jia & shi yuqi need to take some rest from badminton, both totally underperform after olympics, post olympics injuries, they’re great player, attacking & explosive, many top rank players early exit at China open s1000, pray for great comeback soon ❤

[@DmitriPakhomov]

I guess he is still relaxing after winning the olympic bronze. I would rate it higher than even All England title. And also it was 3 years of searching for his game losing lots of games being a favourite. So it makes much more sense to compare his current form to what was prior to Olympics. But he will return to his better form just give him some time. Look at the other medalists. Even Axelsen loses in the first round. Could you compare his 2 matches with Lei by the way?

[@amirrahman6921]

Axelsen won the Hong kong open… I think Lee zii Jia is injured as no professional player should be losing to that score

[@GameTime-rl4zz]

​@@amirrahman6921 Very well explained

[@ohgin12345]

Why would the Olympics bronze medal be better then all England?

[@DmitriPakhomov]

@@ohgin12345 just my opinion

[@DmitriPakhomov]

@@amirrahman6921 very doubtful that he is injured. Just no motivation imho

[@BlazingiZZi]

I think his current coach WTM strategy really isn't working, like i know he's trying to reduce lzj aggressiveness for fear of long term injury but I'd argue that his aggressiveness and offensive playstyle is his biggest strength. I'd say the biggest example for him to emulate is LD, LD in 2008 Beijing was crazy aggressive but he toned it down after that, opt for aggressive on chance which may or may not, can reduce the chance of injury. Well just my opinion atleast

[@hafiyakmal3125]

LD 2008 was the greatest beast in madminton

[@buckrogers5331]

This is a v good analysis video. *thumbx up

[@saichourey9938]

was not expected good vid

[@LeKobes]

LZJ definitely my fav player for the next gen players in badminton. His main problem is consistency nothing else

[@chingkuoylee9927]

Because of changing the coach? I am not sure about that

[@user-hq3zi2fh9e]

Fact

[@kdbb9204]

I am genuinely curious, and im speechless when i read hate comments about lzj, its like ppl are waiting for his downfall. Why? What did he do?

[@xiaoheluo0521]

The same guy who defeated zii jia at the arctic open today

[@dunnbar_algoagogo]

I find most top 15 players completely passive and have a low average level, but can play like top 5 players. Player A can lose 21-5 one week against player B, then win 21-5 vs the same player the next week. I feel only a few top players really work to improve. The others just feel confident with their average level and we don't feel they try to improve their weaknesses, like Axelsen did. Antonsen, LZJ, Shi Yu Qi, Ginting, Christie, Vittidsarn, Loh, are all able to play like top 1-3 players but are too inconsistent most of the time. No one can never guess at which level they will play before every match...Which leads to Axelsen winning titles most of the time.

[@xaein9515]

He has gotten too complacent, plus all his fans still praising him even when he performed poorly isn't helping too. Overall, he is no LCW, the best he can hope for is a being on par with Wong Choon Hann.

[@alsultanmingkabawi6176]

*The actual reason why LZJ's performance going destroyed is because he considers all the matches to be played as an inconvenient burdens to him that disturbs his mental. No matter how long he go for a rest, it won't change anything! This is all about mental and psychology warfare!* *The best way is, LZJ should enjoy every match. Face each match with a calm and happy mood. He needs to think every game is something very fun. If he continues to think negatively, it will continue to go damaged even worse!* *One more thing is that, he doesn't have a really strong sparring partners outside BAM...*

[@raininoor3169]

Only lzjia knows what Hes going thro

[@RaizuJi]

your point about mental power is correct. That's the general problem with Malaysian players, no matter indie or BAM. Happened ever since LCW era. that is why LCW, despite his quality, failed to win big tournaments, championships and olympics. and the culture still goes on till now. LZJ got it all, when he's on fire he can win every game. He just need a good motivator, self confidence and positive mindset. then he can thrive.

[@vermusl6316]

Malaysian are insane bro, they criticize their player like hell if they don't perform well for their country. LZJ have to suffer those criticism on his shoulder everyday. Even when he get a bronze at Olympic they will just continue to fuck him if he lose another match

[@Dhani_Bestt]

You so correct 😮

[@csoffline7820]

wow.... annual USD440k sponsorship for 7 years, require him to play also inconvenient? like you said, his biggest issue and roadblock is his mental.

[@Alone-h6o]

yoo new vid lessgoo ❤❤

[@saichourey9938]

i think you should make on Lei Lanxi and how his comeback was

[@ayazahmed1631]

By looking at these players who plays their good some day and not some day I realise how tough, consistent, and proper player was Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan.

[@sid6645]

Honestly if Steen Fladberg is giving some commentary then I'd like the music to be turned down a bit, that man is brilliant! He's almost prophetic in his commentary.

[@hsushssbwj]

coach opponent intel and counter attack strategy is game changer beside built in experience

[@Rinko8]

How the hell did you know if someone flat foot... you're the best!

[@hsushssbwj]

pinpoint observation

[@thomaschang7455]

As a professional player with an very experienced coach sitting next to him. What you see also what he knows and he shouldn't. All I can say is he purposely loose it

[@KamKwongLam]

Lee"s meltdown was so quick and incredible, especially because he opened up with 8/0 lead and ended up 2/21 for second set. The longest losing streak was 15 points. Not a matter of skill. Simply lacked fighting spirit. Little attacking play whether in front or behind. His coach should be most embarrassed.

[@hallriihan5099]

congratulations lee zii jia break are world single badminton. we proud of you. salute 😎 212 ❤🫰 FOREVER

[@GunaKusalDHULUPUDI]

amazing video

[@buzzyblue2969]

The GOAT is back with a new video

[@thefallenarm589]

Not sure defense gesture of LZJ and Momota can be compared due to their physical difference. On the LZJ example, he clearly goes on his left, taking a bad option on the hit, not before.

[@johnnimrodaustria8356]

As always LZJ mostly malaysian fans said he is not consistent in his games. You can search wikipedia his win rate.

[@DilipkumarChoubey-r7q]

He is not injured he is mentally tired. He needs rest. He is sort of depressed and trying to carry on and not give up that's why he couldn't unlock his true potential. Its true that he shouldn't be even participating if he is a professional player and that's a ridiculous excuse but no player loses like this especially players like lee zii jia who won bronze + his performance in all england 2021. He just doesn't know how to either accept it or convince it to others.

[@Kkkmmllp6]

Koki Watanabe mentality is so strong compared to lzj...also better defence and shot quality

[@TerbangSaja]

After the olympic most athletes are exhausted.and need a long rest, they lost interest to the game, even some of them anounced retirement.

[@hafiyakmal3125]

Olympic is dream n highest achievement in sports. It either can be your moral booster or depress season for the athletes to perform after the olympic.

[@VezoloMike]

FYI after 2021 he left national team. no ones has the power to ctrl or train him . he became independant and gain full ctrl of himself. this is wht u can expect without intensive training and torturing from national team.

[@yimkhengleong4592]

Very good analysis on his movements and shots ❤❤❤

[@tan6637]

What you did not mention is LZJ’s middle finger was bandaged

[@ninomojo]

Looks to me that he's hurting a bit, maybe his knee, hence why he's standing taller instead of lowering his center of gravity as he usually does. He's playing tired. Also it looks like he was misjudging non-errors from Watanabe a lot, which I attribute to tricky court conditions + feeling under the weather (when I am tired, I tend to feel that shuttles are going out when they're actually not, because they're going "faster than my brain", so to speak). Then most probably his mindset dropped a lot which just decreased his quality further. Didn't look like normal Lee Zi Jia to me at all. PS: the flat footed stance is a tell tale sign of being tired by the way.

[@csoffline7820]

when Hannah Yeoh shows admiration of Kun after Paris Semifinals, many 'patriotic' Malaysians were swift to criticize and condemn her for not being sensitive to LZJ's feelings cause he was trashed. Many tourneys and now China Open where LZJ lost tamely 2-21!! is he sensitive to Malaysians' feelings who supported and cheered for him over the years?

[@jonyongkkkl5119]

you don't need to be an expert to tell LZJ's weakness, i have been following his game since AE 2021, his weakness is having an invisible weight tied to his legs.

[@hiwrenhere]

He, SYQ and others have been experiencing what's described as essentially chronic full body pain... When you listen to what the athletes themselves have to say about their pain it's heartbreaking. Hoping for a speedy recovery for them all

[@normankoo6159]

Maybe the corona stab ?

[@amnagames5480]

Here's the real explanation: Lee zii jia said that he has not fully recovered yet, that's why he lacked . Lee zii jia also told that his condition are getting better, so maybe his condition will be 100% on finland open

[@bsyoutube2649]

My dad says LZJ surely win before the game starts, but I replied to him miracle will happen when opponent is LZJ (as in losing with flying colours) Why didn't LZJ lose with 0 instead, he would break a new record in badminton and he can get all the attention he wants

[@patrickleong8374]

His footwork has always been clumsy. His tremendous athleticism used to save him from tough spots in the past. But the athleticism was compromised after he bulked up.

[@Dhani_Bestt]

Prestasi pemain Jepun itu sangat baik! I just have general feeling that Lee Zii Jia was holding back for some reason😢

[@barsfrommars4407]

bro might actually be involved in betting 😂😂

[@wiraagung4580]

The new momota

[@darkwolf9594]

any their favourite shot combos? Gotta elevate my game

[@hisheydoma1808]

Quality destruction of lzj by Koki Watanabe a Dark horse

[@sujaynis3905]

Bro won bronze at the Olympics, what more should someone do to have confidence? I guess he's just drained mentally. Especially since he's an independent player and not supported by BAM.?

[@rayray-ch2xt]

LCW should be LZJ temporary coach for 6 months, upskills LZJ on footwork, and deceptive shots, LZJ playing style is too straight forward, drop net, play 4 corners then hard smash, way to straight forward, all anticipated by opponents

[@GaigeLynka]

As a big LZJ fan i am 100% agree with this video. Weird defence stance, not attacking if he did it's too late, not fast. I mean just damn

[@rony7338]

His problem is mental/psychological and what underlies it,. Could it be differences between him and his coach? No tactical, technical or physical changes can improve his game unless you fix his "brain" first and foremost. Did you see that he was not hungry during the Olympics? He won the bronze by default, I would say because Sen exhausted himself and was also weak mentally after losing in the semi. Think of it, he was so hungry in the All-England that he won, the willpower was so evident. After that, it was downhill all the way and if his mental/psychological state is not fixed, I don't think he will ever become World No. 1. Sure he could win tournaments here and there but to be No. 1, a totally different psyche is needed. I thought he was better than LCW but over time you can see the huge difference between him and LCW. My bet is unless something changes the coach may quit or he will part ways with him.

[@qiusyah]

He could win only if he wants it very much.

[@raymondcpl]

LZJ does not have a base level that he can call upon to win games if/when he isn't playing well.

[@cluckstr2877]

omfg koki watanabe is my goat

[@chrisang3774]

one should not critizise any player. you cant win even if you’re 5percentage down. everything is not what you expected.

[@Kemenyan73]

His round the head shots are weird . Not only they are loose , he non racket leg recovery is slow . Sometimes he does weird small hop on his left leg as if his body is pushed too far backwards .

[@ericsondelacruz7324]

Lee chong wei would never😅

[@adamibrahim401]

LZJ is too heavy and bulky and this contributes to his poor footwork and reaction. He needs to lose about 5-10kg to feel lighter on his feet. He also needs to improve his mental strength as he gives up too easily. He needs to learn how to change his game midstream when things are not going his way. In that sense he is too one-dimensional making it easy for opponents to counter his game.

[@aakaashks2340]

Okay coach

[@julianmok4558]

Spot on! You could spot the difference how he normally play. Look like he has struck lottery for giving away a less weaker opponent from winning which was so glaring. Look like a fraud player than one that play for the country he represents. 😢

[@FlorenceTanMun]

He is extremely tired. He needs a long rest.

[@Ipin-e8s]

LZJ just make to many mistakes, especially on second game, and also he don't seem to be really want to win the second game after losing so many points he's not even try to win the second game

[@herovck]

Good point, he didn't even try, he gave up basically when he lost many points.

[@phrofile3613]

He said in an interview he still have muscle soreness after olympic until now still hasn't recover

[@csoffline7820]

that's why he will never win much.

[@deanliu5378]

He changed his style to be stylish. Not better

[@infodiff]

just wow....

[@DrmooOrtho]

hope lee zii jia watch your analysis

[@lchan1977]

A combination of being destroyed and self destruct.

[@marcpanther8515]

Oh, K is for Koki. I thought it was Ken.

[@HevaNaisdey]

To pick someone worst day and analyze the hell out of it is just ridiculous. There's nothing insightful about any of this.

[@1998dsp]

I don’t think about these factors - it’s just Lee who literally gives a damn about seriousness to badminton …,he plays wreckless most of the time ,plays some good game with top players and then back to basics - I don’t wanna play attitude….

[@jasonhsu2088]

Every time he leans toward the knee that's taped up he pushes off much slower as if it wasn't stable. I believe he's just injured.

[@puregale]

Those supportive of his new play style where are you ? Jokes 2021 all England lzj is still the beast

[@noob_strikes0011]

Body fitness age eagerness not willing to put body on the line. relaxed

[@chrisang3774]

l think lzj need his idol LCW to coach him for futher success.

[@danielchiam4514]

Thanks for 马后炮 analyze the physical part, but we still don't know why he just got 2 points, which doesn't make sense for top player even though in poor form 😅

[@simontanszemung872]

Ah yes Daniel I totally agree with you , all this in depth analysis of his badminton game by everyone here plus some trying to blame motivation, not enough rest , injury ...but how can a top player lost 2-21 in about how many minutes ?????????? I thought I was watching my neighbor playing in a super 1000 badminton tournament !!!

[@muhammadasruni8992]

😅 here i am, i thought he spent too much time at gym getting better physique but lost flexibility

[@Gyjfrhw-462DyAH]

Wow very very basic weaknesses. His coach should be sacked.

[@fatpanda6722]

he go cat walk no problem y ???now he said i have many problem ???

[@nickloong]

His lack of mental strength and negative attitude are his downfall. And that will continue to disrupt his consistency!

[@TambunanCoder]

Don't get cocky with Koki. He'll destroy you

[@servewithstyle5063]

Very sad😢....😢

[@akuorangbiasa2]

lool like LZJ got limitation on his foot...

[@muhammadasyraf7231]

For me he not type of player that can play long rally , lzj in 2021 all england is a beast !

[@deanab-se5op]

Oh my you're so brave to "call him out". Surprisingly the comment section isn't as WILD as it woulde be if you tweet on X 😂 His stan will come to your throat

[@nitayjain7730]

57 seconds 0 views. bro fell off (loveyou)

[@crushr2737]

grow up kid

[@happiness9003]

He already explained that he is getting more injuries even after some intense training post olympics, his body is not well, lets pray he can play better in next tournament

[@Justlookingaround19]

That's just bad management and partly his fault compounded by his Bad technique and footwork. He does not have any proper foundation to fall back to if plan A doesn't work he does not have a plan B or C it's either A or A- -

[@happiness9003]

@@Justlookingaround19 and he also said he is trying his best to fix it, just wish him the best can we?

[@lawrencechin6162]

Lost the game, but somewhat with big bank account I guess. IBF needs to investigate why LZJ plays so badly

[@user-hq3zi2fh9e]

Lzj have far more talent then lcw , just wait😎😎😎

[@visheshb7695]

He should take rest...

[@jackt1400]

Lee Zii Jia play style is very unstable and inconsistent.

[@yeapsoon3115]

Lee Zii Jia, .. Lazy Jia, got it?🤣🤣🤣. OK, I apologise making fun of LZJ. Commentators sometimes mispronounce his name.

[@azhardskhk4737]

Lazy Jia.. perhaps this could summaries his games.

[@simontanszemung872]

Ya ya ya all this in depth analysis about his game plus blaming not enough rest , motivation, injury.......BUT HOW A TOP PLAYER CAN LOSE 2-21 IN LIKE HOW MANY MINUTES?????? I thought i was watching my neighbor playing in a super 1000 😂😂

[@thefallenarm589]

5:32 LZJ doesn't split steps ??? he does, oriented as you should after a short net play to keep pressure on the net.

[@Justlookingaround19]

The main point is whether he splits or not his footwork is garbage. If he didn't have such devastating power from his wrist he would be one of the worst players.

[@thefallenarm589]

@@Justlookingaround19 world tour top 10 player has garbage split step and he's only strong because of his wrist. You can't be serious.

[@deanliu5378]

Lee mentally weak

[@нурислам-к7я]

"corporate wants you to find the difference between this picture (arsehole) and this picture (lzj)" malaysian: "they are the same picture"