KUALA LUMPUR – Independent men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia attributed his positive strides in the sport to the dedicated focus of his team.
Reflecting on his development since turning professional, the 25-year-old highlighted the increased maturity in his approach to the game.
“In the past, people used to take care of everything for me, but now I need to arrange everything myself.
“Fortunately, I have a team that is 100% focused on my improvement,” said the 25-year-old.
The reigning Arctic Open champion admitted the shift from a larger team dynamic, in which he expressed gratitude for the current focused approach, allowing for more personalised attention.
Under the laser focus of his team, Zii Jia has noted a gradual improvement in his game.
“Every day, they work on new strategies to enhance my comfort and overall gameplay.
“I’ve evolved from being impatient to feeling more complete on the court. I’ve learned a lot and am rediscovering the joy of playing badminton,” he added.
Zii Jia was speaking to the BWF after his match against Jonatan Christie in the second round of the India Open today.
The Kedahan successfully progressed to the quarter-finals by defeating the fifth-ranked shuttler in straight sets, 21-15, 21-13, at the K. D. Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
This marks a significant step up from his showing at last week’s Malaysia Open, where he disappointed when he fell in the first round against Lu Guangzu of China.
Next, Zii Jia is set to face the winner of the all-Japanese clash between Takuma Obayashi and Kodai Naraoka.
Meanwhile, in men’s doubles, Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani gave a commendable performance against the world number eight pair Liu Yuchen and Ou Xuanyi of China, pushing them to three sets before succumbing 21-19, 17-21, 21-17. – January 18, 2024