Source – BWF News
KOTA KINABALU: Anders Antonsen required considerable effort to halt Lee Zii Jia’s impressive tournament run at CLASH OF CLANS Arctic Open 2026, yet the Danish champion’s triumph carried a meaningful gesture toward his valued friend.
Antonsen secured victory with a commanding 21-11 15-21 21-16 scoreline across a grueling 78-minute battle, bouncing back from a second-set setback to advance to the men’s singles final against Yushi Tanaka, who had previously earned his spot by defeating fellow Japanese player Koki Watanabe 21-14 11-21 21-16.
“That match tested me mentally—it was genuinely an emotional journey,” Antonsen reflected. “My performance in the opening set was solid. However, the second set proved frustrating when my momentum suddenly evaporated.”
The pivotal moment arrived between sets when Antonsen’s coach offered him direct, unfiltered counsel.
“He spoke candidly to me. He said I needed to be stronger, quit wallowing in disappointment, and give everything I had. That’s precisely what I delivered during the final set.”
This victory transcended mere athletic achievement—Antonsen and Lee maintain a genuine friendship beyond the court.
“Yet we both recognize the distinction between friendship and competition,” Antonsen explained. “When we step onto that court, personal relationships take a backseat temporarily, and we reconnect immediately afterward.
For Lee, the setback proved inconsequential against an inspiring tournament run.
Building from the qualifying rounds onward, the Malaysian competitor strengthened his position with each successive match, rekindling confidence in his abilities while demonstrating compelling indicators of a potential career resurgence.
“So many positive things at this tournament,” he said. “Match by match I gained a lot of confidence, especially today against one of my best friends.”
The post-match conversation held equal significance to Lee as the competition itself.
“He said ‘welcome back’ and I responded ‘I hope so’.
He immediately told me not to doubt myself. That means a lot. Especially after all the struggles. I hope this time is a great comeback for me.”
Antonsen expressed satisfaction witnessing his friend competing once again at an elite standard.
“He did a fantastic tournament. Very happy to play him again.”
Meanwhile, Aaron Tai and Yap Roy King of Malaysia triumphed over Christian Faust Kjaer/Rasmus Kjaer 21-14 21-16 to advance to the men’s doubles championship in their inaugural partnership.
The Malaysian duo will contest against Lai Po Yu/Tsai Fu Cheng for the title.
