In life, there will always be highs and lows. Unfortunately, our national badminton team currently seems to be going through a series of lows. Unlike last year, where Malaysia was riding on wins and cheers, 2023 has seemingly started off with a series of upsets.
Although hopes were high in the beginning, things have drastically changed since then. Local favourite Lee Zii Jia (李梓嘉) was unfortunately knocked out of the Indonesia Masters 2023 during its second round. And now, it has been revealed that men’s doubles team Goh Sze Fei (吳世飛) and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani will be splitting up!
Things haven’t exactly been easy for Zii Jia since he went independent. Criticism has been at an all time high especially after he refused to seek out another coach to train him. Although he’s still been getting support from fans, others haven’t held back, such as when they called Zii Jia a “traitor”.
Still, the 24-year-old has been determined to do his best and take responsibility for his wins and losses. After his loss on 26th January, Zii Jia apologised to his fans and the audience during an interview with SPOTV. “I tried my best and this is the result. I have to accept it,” he stated. “Sorry I couldn’t win the match.”
While the apology garnered sympathy with some wishing him well, others weren’t as happy. Several have demanded results rather than an apology. One also advised Zii Jia to return to BAM. “Even LCW (Lee Chong Wei) and Lin Dan needed coaching to compete (at) a high level,” the comment read.
“Sorry I couldn’t win the match” – Lee Zii Jia selepas tersingkir dari #IndonesiaMasters2023 pic.twitter.com/jYzdZb0uCE
— SPOTV Malaysia (@SPOTVMY) January 26, 2023
The second blow came shortly after on the same day. Much loved men’s doubles team Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani revealed they would no longer be partners. The duo have been partners for eight years, and won the German Open together last year. But, they have recently been struggling in tourneys. Sze Fei had hoped they would try again together. But it seemed, Izzuddin did not share his spirit.
“Adin (Izzuddin) said he’s not (feeling this partnership anymore), so that was a signal for me,” the 26-year-old stated. Sounding like he was holding back tears, Sze Fei continued with, “I wish Adin all the best.” Notably enough, the duo did not look at each other during the exchange. Sze Fei also added a quiet, “We just want to do our best and (we’re) not blaming anyone.”
Fans have been left broken hearted by the news. “Please tell me I am not the only one feeling (as) miserable as hell right now?” one comment asked. “Really, this is PAIN,” another stated. A few also questioned Izzuddin’s decision, wondering what he was thinking.
“Adin cakap sudah takde rasa, jadi itu signal buat saya”
Berikut kenyataan dari Goh Sze Fei mengenai keputusan yang di ambil oleh mereka….
More on @ASTROARENA pic.twitter.com/6zBUmJKUhn
— Syifa Nasir (@syfansr) January 26, 2023
Well, it’s certainly a sorry state of affairs right now. However, we are still rooting for our players.. Hopefully, Zii Jia will be able to find his groove again and we wish both Sze Fei and Izzuddin well as they begin their new journeys.
