#Thruster Ryuga II racket

[badmintonstorefan]

In Focus: Malaysian Badminton Star Lee Zii Jia Rises Again

Badminton is a game of grit, dedication, and finesse, even in the face of adversity. And one player who truly embodies the essence of badminton is Malaysian shuttler, Lee Zii Jia. Even though he has had a challenging year, he believes in the champions-never-quit approach. Let’s understand how this child prodigy is rediscovering his game and becoming a formidable player.

Career Profile:

1. Men’s Singles World Rank: 11 2. Men’s Singles World Tour Rank: 13 3. Career Best Ranking: 2 (on 25th October 2022) 4. 2022 Men’s Singles Asian Champion 5. 2019 Men’s Singles SEA Games Champion 6. Part of the Team that won the Bronze Medal at the 2023 Sudirman Cup

Personal Information:

1. Birth Date: 29th March 1998 (Age 25 as of 19th October 2023) 2. Country: Malaysia 3. Height: 1.86m (6 ft. 1 inches) 4. Handedness: Right 5. Independent Coach: Wong Tat Meng Liew 6. Assistant Coach: Darren Liew

A Quick Glance at the Wins of the Malaysian Star Shuttler

Lee Zii Jia held the World No. 2 rankings in 2022. However, after his career-best performance, his form suffered in 2023. It led to his rank slipping away. However, he is dedicated to his craft and working on his skills.

1. Victor Denmark Open 2023 (Odense Denmark): In the recently concluded Denmark Open on 22nd October 2023, Lee secured the silver and won the second position.

2. Clash of Clans Artic Open 2023 - Powered by Yonex (Vantaa, Finland): On 15th October 2023, Lee won the first position against NG Tze Yong in two straight sets.

3. 19th Edition Asian Games (Hangzhou, China): Lee Zii Jia lost in the quarter-final against Indian shuttler HS Prannoy in a well-fought match. The match lasted for 78 minutes.

4. Sathio Group Australian Open 2023 (Sydney, Australia): Lee Zii Jia was on a roll in the Australian Open but lost the semi-final to Chinese badminton player Weng Hong Yan. He secured the third position in the tournament.

5. Yonex Swiss Open 2023 (Basel, Switzerland): Lee won three matches in the tournament and reached the semi-final. He was third on the podium after losing the semi-final to Japanese player Koki Watanabe.

6. Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships 2023 (Birmingham, England): He secured the third position in the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 1000 event after losing the semi-final to Chinese ​​Y.Q. Shi.

A Worthy Successor to Malaysian Legend Lee Chong Wei

Badminton fans consider Lee Zii Jia as the next Lee Chong Wei. He has all the potential, talent, and skill to become the next badminton champion. He has a mantra, “Dare to Dream”. He says, “What I am trying to show them (the youth) is, I hope that they can dare to dream (of) whatever they want to become, and then decide to become (it) one day.”

Born in Alor Setar, Lee Zii Jia’s parents were former international basketball players. His parents introduced him to badminton at the young age of six. Considering his potential and performance in under-12 competitions, the Bukit Jalil Sports School quickly selected him.

Lee Zii Jia began his career with the Junior Championship in the 2015 Perak and Selangor Badminton Open tournament. His achievement secured him a seat at the big table. In the following year, he won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships. In 2017, Lee won his first senior title at the Polish International Tournament.

2018 was a memorable year for the Malaysian player because he won his first BWF World Tour title against Riichi Takeshita. His victory brought happiness across Malaysia because Lee became the only player other than Lee Chong Wei to win a BWF title since 2013. Lee Zii Jia also reached the finals of the Korean Masters in the same year.

In August 2019, Lee reached the semi-finals of the Thailand Open. He secured the world No. 11 in the BWF World rankings and ended the year on a high with a gold medal in the men’s singles tournament at the SEA Games. He also helped the national men's team win the silver medal at the SEA Games.

Lee Zii Jia was a semi-finalist in the 2020 Malaysian Masters. Under his captaincy, the team won a silver medal at the Asian Team Championships. Owing to his incredible performance at the All England Open in 2020, he entered the coveted list of the top 10 badminton players.

Lee won his first-ever Super 1000 tournament at the 2021 All England Open Championship by defeating world no. 1 player and defending champion Viktor Axelsen.

When Lee decided to quit the national badminton team in January 2022, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) banned him for two years. However, the ban was lifted quickly in the same month. In May 2022, Lee won the Badminton Asia Championships and BWF World Tour Super 500 title at the Thailand Open. He also reached the final of the Denmark Open against Chinese shuttler Shi Yuqi.

In 2023, Lee was part of the Malaysian team that won the bronze medal at the Sudirman Cup. He had decided to take a break from badminton in 2023 and only returned to competing in July with the 2023 Korea Open. He ended his drought by winning the 2023 Arctic Open against another Malaysian player Ng Tze Yong.

A Change in Playing Style: Lee Zii Jia’s Latest Strategy

Currently, Lee Zii Jia is in a transformation phase where he is changing his strategy from being an aggressive to a control player. Smashing used to be his biggest strength, but he needed a transition because other players were figuring out his game effortlessly.

His athleticism is top-notch, and his aggression is second to none. Each of his badminton fans hopes his transition is successful and he soon becomes the international player he deserves to be.

Lee’s Favorite Badminton Racket and Other Equipment

Lee has always favored an attacking racket and still prefers the Victor Thruster Ryuga (flame red) badminton racket. He was also associated with Thruster Ryuga II in the past.

Recently, fans noticed that he used a different racket at the BWF Arctic Open 2023 in Vantaa, Finland. Many think it is a new racket in accordance with his changing playing style. However, it might be a yet-to-be-released version of Ryuga itself.

Did you know around two years ago (around the time of the Tokyo Olympics), he wielded the Astrox 100 ZZ Kurenai and then the Astrox 99 Pro Cherry Sunburst?

Currently, Victor has exclusively signed him. He uses the Victor A970 Ace badminton shoes, the BR5610LJZ racket bag, and the BR5010LZJ backpack.

The Phoenix Will Rise

Lee Zii Jia had a devastating year, but ever since his return from the hiatus, he seems to be enjoying the game and winning titles. His recent achievements are a testament to his never-say-die spirit and his motto of “Dare to Dream.”

Lee’s journey to reaching the world no. 2 rankings, the subsequent losses, and the comeback make him a true phoenix. Truly, his story is of grit, dedication, and commitment against all odds.

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Victor Thruster Ryuga II badminton racket offers great offensive shots, given by its characteristics. The PowerBox Technology supports the racket's owner - a lethal choice for offensive players. Lee Zii Jia(Malaysia)

[badmintonstorefan]

Best Badminton Rackets for Powerful Smashes: 2023 Edition

Whether you are a professional player or love to play badminton as a means to keep yourself fit, your preference will decide your badminton racket. It is your chosen weapon to fight your opponent, overpower them, and win crucial points to win the match.

If you have an aggressive playing style, you require a head-heavy racket to complement your power. Here are the best badminton rackets of the current year to help you excel.

1. Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ

A popular racket among aggressive badminton players is Yonex Astrox 100 ZZ. Badminton coaches recommend the racket to players who want the perfect blend of power and speed. Yonex has used the innovative Black Micro Core material for the first time with Astrox 100 ZZ to remove vibrations and introduce a more solid feeling and strength to the racket.

The company has used an inventive Rotational Generator System and NAMD material to counter the weight of Black Micro Core technology. It makes the racket powerful and fast together. Like any other racket made in the Yonex Japanese factory, it has the Solid Feel Core to reduce vibrations caused by the shuttlecock.

2. Yonex Astrox 88D Pro

Yonex launched the original Astrox 88D in the year 2018. Since then, the company has introduced many models and versions of the popular AX88 racket to make it faster for the changing doubles game. The latest in the series is the Astrox 88D Pro badminton racket with several changes to the original one.

With an innovative rotational generator system for an even-balanced weight distribution, a newer isometric head shape for an enlarged sweet spot, improved handle length, reduced shaft diameter for additional speed, and a more durable grommet pattern to handle extra power, the Yonex Astrox 88D Pro is a champion!

If you are looking for uncompromised power and speed, especially while playing a doubles game, Yonex Astrox 88D Pro can be your weapon.

3. Yonex Astrox 99 Pro

Astrox 99 Pro badminton racket has consistently been on the list of top power badminton rackets worldwide. It delivers a unique feel because even though it is a head-heavy racket with an additional Power Assist Bumper in the head, it does not feel heavy or wear you down during intense matches.

Made in Japan, the AX99-P racket is not only stylish but powerful as well. It is why Kento Momota has been endorsing the racket since the company launched Astrox 99 in September 2018. It has NAMD material throughout the body to ensure faster snapback and superior resilience. With Dual-Optimum System, it strengthens your backhand and forehand shots simultaneously. Yonex has included the Solid Feel Core technology to eliminate vibration and ensure more stable performance.

4. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition

When Victor announced the Thruster K Falcon edition, the racket became the choice of badminton professionals for a comfortable and direct hitting experience. In 2021, the TK-F C Enhanced Edition made a powerful comeback to the global stage after two years in R&D. The Victor team has focused on increasing the racket strength and improving its features to become more powerful.

It inherits the following features from the original racket: an Anti-torsion system for a stable shaft, a Tri-Formation system for smoother swing, and a unique racket frame for a larger and elongated sweet spot. If you consider the Anti-Torsion, Victor has upgraded it to a 6.5mm slim shaft. It is four times stronger for a stable and more accurate attack.

In addition to the popular badminton technologies, Victor has made the racket handle more comfortable and elastic. It also has a multi-layer frame for elasticity and quick snapback to make it faster.

5. Victor Thruster Ryuga II

“Ryuga” is translated to “dragon” in the Japanese language. And, just like its predecessor, the Ryuga II has dragon elements in its design to pay an ode to the domineering spirit of the legendary creature.

The favorite racket of Lee Zii Jai, Victor Thruster Ryuga II, delivers stable performance, especially during continuous attacks from opponents. It has the power box design to withstand the high stringing required by aggressive players. You can trust the durability of the racket because of its Pyrofil material that encourages better shock absorption and more control.

The Victor team has improved the shaft technology with WES 2.0 to make the racket flex faster and your smashes more fierce. It also has the Free Core synthetic handle for a smoother swing and improved overall handling experience.

Make your Smashes More Powerful

When picking a new badminton racket, do not shy away from research. List your requirements, preferences, and budget to choose the right badminton racket. Your research may take time, but you will get a quality badminton racket that matches your playing style.

[badmintonstorefan]

Unveiling the Best of 2024: Top 5+ Badminton Racket Brands

Choosing the right badminton racket can significantly impact your game, whether you're a beginner aiming to learn the ropes or a seasoned professional looking for that competitive edge. Understanding the top badminton racket brands is crucial in making an informed decision. Let’s delve into the world of badminton rackets and learn which brand will best suit your needs in the New Year!

1. Victor: Precision Craftsmanship from Taiwan

Originating from Taiwan, Victor Rackets Industrial Corporation, popularly known as Victor, has earned a reputation of producing top-quality badminton equipment. The company was founded in 1968 by Chen Den-li. The company quickly expanded its distribution to European countries after early successful years in Taiwan.

From badminton rackets, shoes, to shuttlecocks and other badminton gear, the brand offers premium sports equipment approved by BWF for international tournaments. The brand is well-known for their advanced technology, durable materials, and exceptional performance.

Global Technical Advisor/Brand Ambassadors: Zhao Jianhua, Wang Shixian, and Li Jinhui.

Victor Sponsored Players: Denmark national badminton team, Anders Antonsen, Tai Tzu-ying, Wang Tzu-wei, Jenny Moore, Greg Mairs , Ashwini Ponnappa, Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan, Praveen Jordan, Melati Daeva Oktavianti, Greysia Polii, Apriyani Rahayu, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Lee Zii Jia, and Kirsty Gilmour.

Top Badminton Rackets from Victor:

1. Victor Thruster TTY A is a head-heavy racket for advanced players. 2. Victor Thruster F Enhanced Edition is an excellent racket for smashes. 3. Victor Thruster F Claw LTD Edition is the hallmark of long-term collaboration between VICTOR and World No. 1 Tai Tzu Ying. 4. Victor BraveSword 12 is an all-around racket for dominating rallies. 5. Victor Jetspeed S 12 ii F ensures superior agility and pace on the badminton court. 6. Victor Thruster Ryuga offers great offensive shots, given by its characteristics. 7. Victor AuraSpeed 100X focuses more on the continuity between each shot.

2. Yonex: Japanese Excellence in Badminton

Who doesn’t know about Yonex in the world of sports? Hailing from Japan, the company was started by Minoru Yoneyama in 1946. The company produced fishing equipment and later began manufacturing badminton rackets for other brands in 1957. The company started selling Yoneyama-branded racquet in 1961 and became a world leader. It started manufacturing tennis rackets and golf clubs soon after.

Renowned for its cutting-edge technology, Yonex rackets are favored by top players globally. The brand is committed to advanced research and development to ensure that their rackets deliver the best innovations to its players.

Yonex Sponsored Teams: National Badminton Teams of Malaysia, China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, England, France, Chinese Taipei, and Spain.

Yonex Sponsored Players: Lin Dan, Viktor Axelsen, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, Taufik Hidayat, Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Kento Momota, Yugo Kobayashi, Lee Yang , Lee Chong Wei, Choi Sol-gyu, Lee Yong-dae, Zheng Si Wei, Dechapol Puavaranukroh, Kantaphon Wangcharoen, Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Lucas Mazur, Wang Yi Lyu, Aaron Chia, Sooh Wooic Yik, Takuro Hoki, and many other professional male badminton players.

Yonex also sponsors Kim So Yeong, Michelle Li, Saina Nehwal, Yuki Fukushima, Arisa Higashino, Sayaka Hirota, Mayu Matsumoto, Nami Matsuyama Wakana Nagahara, Aya Ohori, Chiharu Shida, Sayaka Takahashi, Akane Yamaguchi, An Se-young, Chae Yoo-jung, Chang Ye-na, Kim Ga-eun, Kim So-yeong, Kim Hye-rin, Kong Hee-yong, Huang Dong Ping, Huang Ya Qiong, Lee So-hee, Shin Seung-chan, Jia Yi Fan, Sung Ji-hyun, Ratchanok Intanon, Busanan Ongbamrungphan, Sapsiree Taerattanachai, Beiwen Zhang, Carolina Marin, Chen Qing Chen, Chen Yu Fei, and Delhpine Delrue.

Top Badminton Rackets from Yonex:

1. NanoFlare 800 Pro will make your counter-drive shots more effective. 2. NanoFlare 1000 Z delivers incredible speed and cuts air resistance like none. 3. ArcSaber 11 Pro designed for all-around performance on the court. 4. Astrox 99 Pro makes your attacks more powerful than ever. 5. Astrox 88D Pro designed for quick attacks in a doubles game. 6. Astrox 88S Pro is made for professionals who demand control over their shots. 7. ArcSaber 7 Pro helps you with incredible precision, accuracy, and control. 8. Astrox 100 ZZ is the perfect choice for speedy smashes. 9. NanoFlare 700 delivers lightning-fast drives, net shots, and smashes. 10. Nanoflare NextAge will make your shots faster without being too demanding.

3. Apacs: Malaysian Ingenuity for All Levels

Established in 2002, the Malaysian brand Apacs, is now available across 50 countries. The company has gained a quick reputation for its commitment to manufacturing high-quality badminton equipment with advanced technology. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, Apacs rackets will provide a wide range of options to enhance your game.

The name of the company incorporates all the essential ingredients of the game including Aggressive, Power, Accurate, Control and Speed.

Apacs Sponsored Players: Cheam June Wei, Tommy Sugiarto, Soong Joo Ven, Tan Wee Kiong, Cheak Liek Hou, Lee Hyun IL, and others.

Top Badminton Rackets from Apacs:

1. Apacs Ziggler LHI Pro III is ideal for pro players who want a slightly head heavy racket for hard smashes and faster defense. 2. Stardom Pro III is the perfect racket for all-around performance in a singles and doubles game. 3. Apacs Honor Pro racket will dominate the court with powerful smashes and controlled shots. Another racket for aggressive players is the Apacs Imperial Pro.

4. Li-Ning: A Chinese Powerhouse on the Court

Li-Ning, originating from China, was started by the legendary gymnast, Mr. Li Ning in 1990 with a goal of providing local athletes a national brand that they can proudly wear on the global stage. Several years later, the company has become a global force in badminton equipment because of its innovation and design. The company celebrates 21st century technology and matches it with the nation’s glorious heritage.

Li-Ning rackets are well-known for their unique design, cutting-edge technology, and diverse range that caters the demands of all playing styles and levels.

Li-Ning Sponsored Players: PV Sindhu, Yuta Watanabe, Srikanth Kidambi, Goh Liu Ying, Chen Long, Fu Haifeng, Zhang Nan, Li Xuerui, Zhao Yunlei, Liliyana Natsir, Liu Yuchen, Pornpawee Chochuwong, Jonatan Christie, Jia Yifan, Ou Xuanyi, Liu Yuchen, Loh Kean Yew, and many others.

Top Badminton Rackets from Li-Ning

1. Li Ning Ax Force 80 is a head-heavy racket for powerful shots. 2. Li-Ning G-Force 3500 Superlite is a carbon-fiber racket for attacking. 3. Li-Ning Aeronaut 6000 headlight racket makes your defense lightning fast. 4. Li-Ning BladeX-700 delivers striking force for more efficient shots.

5. Babolat: Heritage Meets Precision

What started as a family business in Lyon for manufacturing raw material for racket strings, the brand is now a leader in racquet-sports equipment. In 1995, the French company was a well-known name in the tennis world. The company decided to expand and foray into the game of badminton with the very first Babolat badminton racket frame. Today, it has a wide range of badminton rackets for children and adults of all playing levels.

Babolat Sponsored Players: In addition to Chloe Birch, Babolat is popular in the European continent where it sponsors several junior and club teams.

Top Badminton Rackets from Babolat

1. Babolat X-Feel Origin Power racket delivers extreme control over your shots with incredible precision and sensation. 2. Babolat X-Feel Origin Essential is an all-around racket with even balance. 3. Babolat Satellite Gravity 74 weighs just 74 grams to give you faster swings than any other racket. 4. Babolat Satellite Blast is a head-heavy racket to empower your game.

Carlton: British Legacy in Badminton

Carlton is credited to introducing the first modern-day metal badminton racket that utilizes grommets to make the equipment more stable and durable. Carlton has introduced many innovative technologies in the field of badminton such as the first truly one-piece graphite racket.

Carlton has sponsored several All England Champions such as Eddy Choong, Lim Swie King, Morten Frost, and Mike Tredgett. The company also sponsored legends such as Peter Rasmussen, Simon Archer, Nathan Robertson, and Gail Emms.

Top Badminton Rackets from Carlton

1. Carlton MegaFlex F1 Titanium is an offensive racket with even balance. 2. Carlton MegaFlex F2 has a head-heavy balance for maximum power. 3. Carlton Airblade Tour is an all-around racket to play both: defensive and aggressive game.

Bonus! Franklin Sports for Recreational Badminton Play

For those engaging in badminton recreationally, Franklin Sports provides a range of rackets that emphasize fun and accessibility. The company was started in 1946 as a regional brand by Irving H. Franklin and brother Sydney Franklin. The brand has collaborated with several world-class athletes including Sugar Ray Leonard, David Robinson, Dan Marino, Barry Bonds, and Joe Namath.

Franklin Sports is dedicated to creating equipment that encourages players to enjoy the game at any skill level, thus, making the brand an excellent choice for family gatherings and picnics.