Misbun hopes Zii Jia will rise above storm to shine in worlds
PETALING JAYA: Turn criticism into motivation.
That’s Datuk Misbun Sidek’s encouragement to his former student Lee Zii Jia as the latter takes on Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in the men’s singles first round of the World Championships at Royal Arena in Copenhagen today.
Misbun believes controversies before a major tournament could be a blessing in disguise.
“Netizens are busy talking about issues that Zii Jia is dealing with right now and maybe, it will take away the overwhelming focus on their expectation of him in the world meet,” said Misbun, who was Zii Jia’s coach when he was in the back-up squad.
“Maybe, the status as an underdog will work for him.
“Zii Jia has the weapon, the skills and techniques but is inconsistent.
“His game had become predictable and is still unstable but I believe he has the potential to shine in this tournament, if he can be a little more consistent.
“Let his racquet do the talking at the world meet.
Just days before the world meet, independent shuttler Zii Jia’s coach Wong Tat Meng took to social media to hit out at the Badminton Association of Malay–sia (BAM) for enforcing their rule on apparel for all on Wednesday.
According to the national body’s rule, independent players can only train at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara once a week if they wear the apparel of sponsors Yonex.
Yonex is BAM’s official sponsor while Zii Jia is funded by Victor.
Due to that Zii Jia had to turn down the invitation to train at the centre and he eventually vented out his frustration on his social media platform.
Zii Jia in his comment segment of Tat Meng’s posting said: “Do not say I am ‘big-headed’ if I don’t come for training, Aishhhhh…it’s very difficult to be LZJ, because everything is wrong, I am confused”.
Due to their statements, both received a tongue-lashing from Datuk Lee Chong Wei and several former internationals including Datuk Seri Jalani Sidek.
Chong Wei said Zii Jia was problematic while Jalani echoed it.
Misbun, however, hoped that Zii Jia and Co will make the country proud at the world meet.
“It’s my earnest wish that Zii Jia and all the Malaysian badminton players will outshine their opponents,” said Misbun.
Besides Zii Jia, the others who will open their campaign today is Ng Tze Yong, who will take on Zhao Junpeng of China.
In the women’s singles, Goh Jin Wei faces Vivien Sandorhazi of Spain while S. Kisona meets Pai Yu-po of Taiwan.
All others will be in action tomorrow.
Leave a Reply