KUALA LUMPUR – Independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s participation in the Thomas Cup is still in discussion, according to Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky.
Team LZJ, represented by coach Wong Tat Meng and Lee Zii Yii, held a discussion with ABM on Zii Jia’s plans until the Paris Olympics in July.
After the meeting, Rexy said that Zii Jia’s management wants him to make a push for the top eight in the Race to Paris rankings.
“They brought up a few points regarding the Thomas Cup, where they agreed the team competition is important but they need to think about preparing Zii Jia for the Olympics.
“They told me after the Badminton Asia Championships next week, he will play at the Malaysia Masters, Singapore, Indonesia and Australian Opens.
“If you add the Thomas Cup into that equation, his tournament load could be too much,” Rexy told reporters at ABM today.
The Thomas Cup is scheduled from April 27 until May 5, while the Malaysia Masters will be from May 21 to 26. The Singapore Open will start from May 28 until June 2, while the Indonesia Open and the Australian Open are from June 4 to June 9 and June 11 to June 16, respectively.
Meanwhile, Rexy said that nothing has been decided yet between both parties.
“I cannot make any statements yet regarding Zii Jia’s participation, as both parties have yet to decide anything.
“They will go back, have a discussion of their own and come back to us with their final decision. I, too, will have to discuss his participation in the Thomas Cup with the management.
“We understand he has his plans and the discussion today was to understand what those plans are. We will support their decision but there is still time before we finalise the squad on April 13,” added the Indonesian.
Rexy also said that Zii Jia’s Thomas Cup participation should not be speculated.
“I don’t want to say anything yet. Of course, I have my plans if Zii Jia does not join up with us, but it is still early so we should not speculate.
“We need to think positively because, at the end of the day, I believe Zii Jia and his team want to make Malaysia proud,” said Rexy.
Zii Yii, when asked if her brother would join the national team for the Thomas Cup, briefly answered, “Not sure yet.”
In February, Zii Jia joined the national team for the Badminton Asia Team Championships, where he helped Malaysia to a second-place finish but could not play in the final due to breathing difficulties. – April 2, 2024