Lee Zii Jia performs Cristiano Ronaldo's 'Siiuu' celebration during Malaysia vs India tie in Sudirman Cup 2023

Malaysia thrashed India to confirm their place in the quarter-finals.

Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia brought out Cristiano Ronaldo's famous "Siiuu" celebration after his win over India's Kidambi Srikanth in the men's singles clash of Malaysia vs India Group C tie in Sudirman Cup 2023 on May 15 (Monday). Lee Zii Jia, WR 8, defeated Srikanth in straight games 21-16, 21-11 to put Malaysia 2-0 ahead in the group C tie. Malaysia eventually went on to beat India 5-0 and book their place in the Sudirman Cup 2023 quarter-finals.

Having completed his win in just 36 minutes, the Malaysian completed the post-match formalities before returning to the court and pulling off the "Siiuu" celebration. He would later say it was a tribute to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

Watch: Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia does the Siuu celebration

While the 25-year-old could be the first to bring out the "Siuu" celebration on a badminton court, he certainly isn't the first sportsperson to do it. Several athletes over the years across disciplines have performed the celebration as a tribute to the Portuguese legend ever since Ronaldo first introduced his traditional goal-celebration routine during a pre-season friendly in 2013.

Asked about the reason behind his celebration after the victory over Srikanth, Lee Zii Ji told reporters that it was for his "idol" Cristiano Ronaldo. "I think it's a celebration for Cristiano Ronaldo. He's my idol," said the Malaysian star.

Malaysia defeated India 5-0 in the second tie of Group C at the Sudirman Cup 2023. This was Malaysia's second victory in the competition having earlier defeated Australia 5-0 on the opening day. The victory over India consolidated their place at the top and subsequently book a place in the quarter-finals. The top two teams from each group (four) will progress from the group stages.

Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie started the proceedings for Malaysia by winning the opening match against the unusual mixed doubles pairing of Dhruv Kapila and Ashwini Ponappa. Lee Zii Jia continued the winning run beating Kidambi Srikanth in the second match 21-16, 21-11 giving Malaysia a 2-0 lead.

The Southeast Asian side won the next three matches to assure a quarter-finals spot. In the final group tie on Wednesday (May 17th), Malaysia is set to take on heavyweights Chinese Taipei with the winner occupying the top spot.