The 22-year-old Kedahan, who knocked out world No 1 and top seed Kento Momota of Japan in the previous round, won his last four duel 21-13, 21-17 in Birmingham.

Zii Jia took the opening game convincingly, being in control from start to finish before facing more resistance in the second game from Dutchman Caljouw. The world No 10 eventually wrapped up the match in 44 minutes to march into his maiden World Tour Super 1000 final.

“I lost a bit of focus in the second game but luckily I managed to get my momentum back,” Zii Jia told All England’s website.

“I’m very happy with my performance. There’s still another match to go so hopefully I can get a good rest and prepare (for the final). I want to enjoy every match and try my best.”

Besides making the final in only his second appearance at badminton’s oldest and most prestigious competition, Zii Jia is also the first Malaysian since Lee Chong Wei in 2017 to contest the men’s singles title match.

If he wins against defending champion Viktor Axelsen later today, he will emulate four-time winner Chong Wei’s success from four years ago.