Former great Rashid calls for calm after Zii Jia’s hot run

PETALING JAYA: Lee Zi Jia (pic) has proven that he has not lost his winning touch by claiming the Arctic Open but let’s not expect too much too soon from the independent shuttler.

Former international Datuk Rashid Sidek said the win in Finland will boost Zii Jia’s confidence and at the same time, the badminton fraternity may also start anticipating more title winning performances from him.

The former Olympic bronze medallist said Zii Jia, 25, has gone through a massive struggle and he probably needs the time to slowly establish himself with consistent results.

Zii Jia ended a 17-month drought to win the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tour title on Sunday where he defeated compatriot Ng Tze Yong in the final.

“Zii Jia has proven that he has the quality to regain his winning touch on the international stage. It has been a long struggle for him and the Arctic Open win should boost his confidence,” said Rashid.

“The badminton fraternity will be delighted and may want more from him but we should give the time and space for him to become more consistent and let’s not think that he can now win titles regularly.

“BWF tour is so competitive and it is hard to win a title in a season.

“We see new champions in almost every tournament as the players are in a frantic race to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“The most important thing is that Zii Jia will have the belief that he has what it takes to become a champion again and if he can keep up with the top shuttlers, he will get more breakthroughs. But the progress should not be rushed.

“He is on the right track now for the Olympics and with Tze Yong also showing steady progress, we have a good chance for two quality players for 2024 Paris.”

The result is likely to propel Zii Jia closer to the top 10 as he is currently ranked No. 14 in the world.

Meanwhile, Rashid also believes Tze Yong, 23, is a steadier player on the tour now that he has managed to reach the final for the first time in Finland.

“Tze Yong is also showing steady progress but players will get desperate for a title after losing a final but he should not rush into things,” said Rashid.

“Being in a super 500 final for a player who just started competing in that stage for about 15 months is a good result. More title chances will be in his way for sure.

“If he gets too desperate to win a super 500 or a bigger crown, he may start to feel the pressure in the earlier rounds.

“So, he must have a relaxed approach but well aware that he has moved up a level and a title is not far away.”

The duo’s staying power will be put to the test in the Denmark Open that begins in Odense today.

Zii Jia plays Priyanshu Rajawat of India in the first round but he will receive a stern test in the second against world No.1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark who did not play in Finland last week.

World No. 19 Tze Yong will tussle with Lu Guangzu of China in the first round and the Malaysian will be hoping to secure back-to-back wins, having beaten the China player in the last eight of the Arctic Open.