KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 -- Malaysia's Thomas Cup preparations have hit a familiar pause point: waiting on Lee Zii Jia.

The men's singles shuttler was expected to report for training at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) today, but the court remained without its biggest draw. 

With the Thomas Cup Finals 2026 fast approaching from April 24 to May 3 in Horsens, Denmark, the clock is already ticking.

National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen struck a cautious tone, making clear that fitness - not urgency - will dictate Lee's timeline.

"No, he (Lee) wasn't able to join today. When he withdrew from practice last Wednesday, I already knew that the chances were slim for today," Jonassen said, as reported by The Star.

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