Just last year, national shuttler Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) was making his way to the top in the badminton world. He hasn’t stopped his journey, but there’s no denying that things have gotten harder for him. Some believe it might be due to him exiting BAM, others think he just needs to work harder, and a few even blame his lack of a coach.
As it turns out, Lee Zii Jia himself thinks he’s narrowed down his weakness. Recently, just after the Singapore Open 2023, Zii Jia shared the biggest problem he’s been facing. However, the 25-year-old doesn’t seem willing to just let it be.
Fans will know that Lee Zii Jia has been struggling to nab a win from the crushing jaws of defeat for several months now. In fact, earlier in March, Zii Jia loudly proclaimed that he was “f*cking done“. Although Zii Jia did make his way back on the court for Singapore Open 2023 on 6th June, he regretfully ended up bowing out yesterday (8th June) after a close game against China’s Weng Hong Yang.
During his after-game interview with SPOTV, Zii Jia spoke about his performance of late. “Yeah, (I) lost again. I think this is the best I can try (for now), so this is the result, and I should accept it,” he said, looking rather disappointed in himself. However, it was clear that Zii Jia had not given up on himself yet.
“I think (I still show) instability on the court. Sometimes I show a good game and sometimes I perform badly. Yeah, this is my problem,” he explained. “Well, I have to think (about it) properly. I think it’s too much for me now, so I need to calm down first.”
Fans understand his frustration and have voiced their support for the shuttler. Some are also hoping Zii Jia’s new coach Wong Tat Meng will be able to help Zii Jia turn things around soon. In the meantime, Lee Zii Jia will be prepping for the Indonesian Open from 13th to 18th June. We wish him luck in his upcoming endeavours!
#BWF | 💬 “Saya telah memberikan yang terbaik tadi.”
Lee Zii Jia tersingkir awal daripada #SingaporeOpen2023 semalam selepas kalah dengan Weng Hong Yang 🇨🇳 20-22, 21-16, 19-21 di R32. Comeback stronger!
Ikuti kami di media sosial untuk content badminton Malaysia. #SPOTVMY pic.twitter.com/hywqJCiPYD
— SPOTV Malaysia (@SPOTVMY) June 8, 2023
Sources: Twitter, China Press, New Straits Times
