SO, what’s in store now for Lee Zii Jia after finally ending his title drought in the World Tour more than a year?

Are we beginning to see some encouraging performance from our national No.1 or it’s still early to attest it even based on his current results.

The badminton fraternity too are eagerly waiting to see him joining the Road-to-Glory (RTG) programme. The shuttler were given till Nov 14 to sign on the dotted lines in order to enjoy the full perks that being part of it.

Zii Jia remained the only athlete yet to sign the commitment agreement (contract).

Why the slow reaction here when others will grab it at first call. The excuse was cramped competition schedule of non stop playing since Asian Games in Hangzhou in September.

Looking forward, winning the Arctic Open in Finland and a runners-up spot in the Danish Open from back-to back tournaments, last month seems to suggest ‘a new life is taking place’ for the lanky lad from Alor Setar.

But the critics have their own reservations. Some felt he was not really tested as many top ranking players did not participate in Finland. World No.1 Viktor Axelsen pulled out while current world champion, Kunlavut Vitidsarn from Thailand was knocked out in the first round due to some injuries or fatigue issues.

In the Denmark Open questions were raised, why Zii Jia performed quite badly in the final, losing tamely to China’s Weng Hong Yang after a superb run in the early matches, including the semi-finals.

To prove it wrong, the former All-England Champion bounced back to beat the same player in the first round of the French Open few days later.

But in the next round, he lost to another Chinese ace and Asian Games gold medalist, Li Shi Feng where he could have won after dominating the match. Well, nothing surprising.

Anyway, let’s forget these never ending argument. Why not we see the positive side of his performance.

By winning the Arctic Open, the world number 11 claimed a pay cheque of US$31,500 (RM126,000) plus 9,200 points gained for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.

A week later, he racked up another 9,350 points and a prize money US$28,900 (RM115,000) as a finalist in the Danish Open in Odense. That’s considered a lot, coming from a player in the slump for nearly 17 months.

His recent rise should be applauded and hope it stays that way till the Olympic Games in Paris.

It’s also interesting to note the progress of his compatriot, Ng Tze Yong who is currently at world No.15 and four steps below Zii Jia.

It was a strong showing from a player called the ‘giant slayer’ to step forward in the latest world ranking following a string of wins over few world top 10 players plus doing creditably well in the World Tour this year.

His shocking wins over Axelsen, Vitidsarn, Shi Feng, Chou Tien Chen (Taiwan), Jonatan Christie (Indonesia) and Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) shows he is trying to close the gap with elite players.

He lost to Zii Jia in the Arctic Open final, failed to clear the hurdle in round of 32 at the Denmark Open but bounce back strongly to reach the semi-finals in French Open.

Often overshadowed by Zii Jia, the 23 year-old Johorean, slowly but surely, showing some maturity and experience in his game to hunt for his elusive title on big stage.

Tze Yong is much improved player now. It’s a clear message to his compatriot to be more alert.

Unlike Zii Jia, he is not targeted for a
podium finish in Paris but who knows anything can happen with his right attitude now.

These are surely a positive sign in our men’s singles as the chase for a ticket in 2024 Olympic Games looks bright.

Our former great, Dato James Selvaraj though were ‘little impressed’ by Zii Jia form in recent tournaments felt the 25 year-old player has all the qualities to win bigger titles.

“He got a very good physical strength, the height as a single player and powerful smashes to take on the best of the world.

“The problem is, he rarely stick to his game plan but tend to change it and then loose control. We had many times watched the power play in him, accuracy and good line shots but surprisingly more often changed his own game giving his opponent room to claw back.

“He should execute all these qualities more on the court rather than to follow his opponent way of play,” said James.

The former national coach also heaped praise on Wong Tat Meng for helping his protege to improve mentally and physically in his game recently.

The new approach seems to paved the way for him to win a long waited title finally. It is an important step to regain the lost confidence.

“Zii Jia should be lucky to have Tat Meng as his new coach and the best way to improve is to follow his instructions and advice properly with the right attitude and mind set.”

He said the 56 year-old coach also served well in Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Scotland. He also had a coaching stint with Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) from 2003 till 2016.

Tat Meng was one of the key characters who led South Korea women’s squad to win the 2022 Uber Cup in Thailand, last year.

South Korea beat defending champions China 3-2 to clinch the title for the second time in history after first winning it in 2010.

Not many knew the fact he once trained the new 2023 world champion, An Se-Yong who was also part of the South Korean Uber Cup team, last year.

Zii Jia need to believe more in his coach methodology to deliver the magic. From now onwards, every challenges he faces will be his own destiny to elevate his badminton career back to where it was more than a year ago.

The former Asian champion should be at his best to conquer the summit. He got all the ingredients needed to rise back fast as a world beater.

Where did it go wrong? What should he do next to be a genuine champion.

Should he go and join back the BAM’s stable? Even if Zii Jia were to show that interest one day, will the officials accept him.

He left to join as an independent shuttler by his own will and it was a bitter separation at that time. The BAM officials would think twice after he disappointed them and the national team.

But for the nation’s glory, anything can happen. After all, sports come first.

Majulah sukan untuk negara!