Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Hajah Azizah having a light moment with Zii Jia during the Hi-Tea with the All England Badminton Malaysia Team at the Istana Negara yesterday. Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) President Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria. – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR (April 7); Newly crowned All England men’s badminton champion 2021, Lee Zii Jia, 23, has some similarities with former world number one player Datuk Lee Chong Wei, according to national badminton legend, Datuk Misbun Sidek.
The national junior badminton squad’s technical director said comparisons could be made based on Zii Jia’s capability and charisma, besides his personal traits in carving a career towards becoming the best player in the world.
“If at this young age, he could smash his way to victory while coping with the tremendous pressure at major competitions, Zii Jia has more to offer and achieve, considering he had only played twice at the All England. Last year, he reached the quarter-finals and this year, he’s the champion.
“He has the same characteristics and charisma (as Chong Wei’s), and the way he carries himself…it’s there,” he told reporters at Istana Negara yesterday.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah had graced a tea reception with the national badminton squad to the All England Open Badminton Championships 2021 at the palace.
Zii Jia became a national badminton sensation with his first All England title last month after trouncing big names such as world number one player, Japan’s Kento Momota in the quarter-finals before defeating the defending champion, Viktor Axelsen from Denmark in the final.
“But now, the question is how to shape him (Zii Jia) towards becoming a more competent and stronger player from all aspects, meaning, physically, technically, tactically, mentally and sensorially,” said Misbun.
As the individual responsible in unearthing Chong Wei and Zii Jia’s talent in the sport and shaping them into champions, Misbun opined that Zii Jia should focus on improving his physical fitness to be a more stable player at all high-level competitions. – Bernama