KUALA LUMPUR: Former Badminton Association of Malaysia high performance director Datuk James Selvaraj has urged independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia to take a hard look at his training programme after yet another early exit, this time at the Hong Kong Open.
The world No. 47 fell 21-16, 21-16 to compatriot Leong Jun Hao today, his first defeat to the world No. 23 after three previous meetings.
The defeat also extended Zii Jia’s worrying run of first-round exits, which included the World Championships two weeks ago and the All England in March.
The Hong Kong Open was only his second tournament back after five months out with an ankle injury.
Selvaraj questioned whether the independent shuttler’s current arrangements were helping him rediscover his form.
“He needs help, I really feel that he needs help. But he is on his own and has his own coach,” said James when contacted today.
“The coach is supposed to help him but something is not right with his training programme. He has to rethink the whole setup.”
Selvaraj described Zii Jia’s repeated early exits as “not healthy” and said the 27-year-old must ask himself hard questions.
“He has to wake up. He has to ask himself why he is always losing in the first round,” added James.
“What is missing? What needs to be done? These are things he and his coach must sit down and address, because there is nobody else to help him now.”
While Zii Jia continues to struggle, Selvaraj believes Jun Hao’s breakthrough victory signals maturity and a boost in confidence for the 26-year-old, who had never beaten his senior before.
“For Jun Hao, this is very good,” said James.
“He has always respected Zii Jia as a better player. Now that he has beaten him, he will believe in himself more.
“He has matured and become a better player.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
