After losing the first game 13-21, the Malaysian national champion regained his composure and led from the beginning in the second game, returning many shots that appeared impossible to return at times.

With a large group of Malaysian supporters cheering him on, he won easily 21-12, in a game filled with some long rallies to force a rubber.

After the breather, Zii Jia started nervously losing two straight points. However, he stopped Lakshya in his tracks and raced to a 4-3 lead within five minutes. Both players were then engaged in a point for point battle.

After 10 minutes of the rubber, the players were tied at 8-8, with both making unforced errors. Zii Jia, who left the Badminton Association of Malaysia to go professional in January, then took the lead at 11-9.

After the changeover, Zii Jia raced to a 16-13 lead five minutes into play.

The ding-dong battle continued until they reached 18-18 but Lakshya changed the pace to win 21-19.