Malaysia’s top-ranked badminton player, Lee Zii Jia, has officially withdrawn from the German Open 2026 today, 18 February 2026, following a re-aggravation of an earlier ankle injury. The withdrawal comes after a grueling opening-round encounter where Lee was forced to retire mid-match while trailing 6-14 in the deciding set. Despite winning the first game and nearly clinching the second, his physical condition deteriorated rapidly, making it impossible for him to continue at a competitive level. 

This setback is particularly concerning for the former All England champion as it impacts his preparation for the upcoming major European swing of the BWF World Tour. Medical staff have advised a period of rest and rehabilitation to prevent further long-term damage to the joint. Fans and the Malaysian badminton community are now closely monitoring his recovery timeline, hoping for a return in time for the prestigious BWF World Championships later this year.