PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s (pic) return from injury in the Japan Open from July 15-20 in Tokyo is a boost for the struggling Malaysian men’s singles department.

National No. 1 Zii Jia suffered a right ankle ligament injury in the World Tour Finals in Hangzhou last December and could only compete in the Orleans Masters and All-England in March so far this year.

The 27-year-old’s absence has been keenly felt with the likes of national No. 2 Leong Jun Hao and No. 3 Justin Hoh struggling to make an impression in the World Tour.

World No. 25 Jun Hao and world No. 43 Justin’s best results were reaching the quarter-finals in the Super 750 Singapore Open last week and Super 300 Taiwan Open last month respectively.

In the Indonesian Open which ended on Sunday, Jun Hao, who was Malaysia’s sole representative in the men’s singles, went down to China’s world No. 4 Li Shifeng in the second round in Jakarta.

Zii Jia’s return has raised hopes of lifting the gloom in the men’s singles in the country.

The Paris Olympics bronze medallist has registered for the Japan Open and will likely also compete in the China Open from July 22-27 in Changzhou, China.

Zii Jia initially planned to make his comeback in the US Open (June 24-29) but decided to take a cautious approach and delay his return to avoid aggravating his injury.

His caution is understandable with the World Championships coming up from Aug 25-31 in Paris.

In the Japan tourney, Zii Jia will be joined by Jun Hao.

The draw for the tournament will be released on July 8.